Terrified I have tonsil cancer

[FarmersWife3]

Basically, I've looked in the mirror tonight after brushing my teeth and found one tonsil is hugely swollen and very red. No other symptoms. Thinking back, the dentist referred me to hospital for swollen tonsils in January, but they wrote back weeks later saying I should just see the gp if worried. As I had no symptoms I ignored it and never saw a GP. I'm now convinced it's cancerous and absolutely terrified. I have two young sons and they need me so much. As it Friday I suspect I won't even see a GP now until Monday if I'm really lucky. Can't sleep for worrying and no idea how I'll get through the weekend.

You probably have tonsillitis and the dentist thought you should be seen at ENT. Try not to worry. See your GP and ask to be referred. Swollen red tonsils are usually a sign of infection.

You’re spiralling. Cancer doesn’t manifest as red and swollen. Tonsils are literally supposed to swell up and they are front line defence from infection.

Find a podcast to listen to (not a health one!) and lie down listening to it, hopefully you’ll fall asleep and feel more rational in the morning.

Seen the GP today. Now on the 2ww cancer pathway for a referral to ENT specialist for diagnosis. GP didn't sound convinced when he said the alternative to cancer was the tonsil enlarged from previous infection. He was talking about possible SCC cancer (a form of skin cancer that can affect tonsils). At least it is the start of knowing what it is. Just hoping against hope that there is something else it could be and is.

We are going on holiday next week. Really hope I can put it to the back of my mind and make sure the kids enjoy it, although no idea what I'll tell them if I have to drive home for a hospital appointment in the middle of our break away.

Head a neck cancer is relatively rare, and even less common in women. So try not to worry. Do you smoke? Incidence rates for head and neck cancer in the UK are highest in people aged 70 to 74 (2016-2018)

risk factors, are being an older male who smokes,

OP you must be worried sick, I'm so sorry. I wish I could say something helpful but just wanted to send you massive hugs and wish you, if possible, a happy holiday.

Everything crossed for you that this turns out to be something benign, and if it isn't, well you are on the road to treating it.

Sending you the energy you need to get through this horrible limbo stage.

I think HPV has changed the picture somewhat, but HPV+ throat cancer is more treatable.

Now booked for tonsils being removed next Monday, and biopsy of a lymph node the following week. The consultant said cancer is statistically unlikely, and that reassured me a bit, but now I'm back to being convinced its cancer. Can't believe it can be anything else. I know even after surgery there will be a wait for results, and it's so hard not knowing. My son suffers from anxiety already, and I know will struggle with me having to have an operation , let alone any further treatment. It's so hard to stay positive!

Thinking of you, OP. I'm such a hypochondriac about the slightest thing that I'd be beside myself. Reassuring that it's considered statistically unlikely - try to hang onto that, if you can, rather than fearing the worst. Says me, who would be quite incapable of that myself!

Hope you managed to have a decent holiday.

How did this turn out please? I hope everything is ok x

Thanks so much ChickyBricky. Tonsils were removed. Initial diagnosis was of Follicular lymphoma, which was later updated (following more tests on the tissues) to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (a type of non-hodgkins lymphoma). It was very early stage thankfully. I had a short course (3 lots) of chemo, which finished in December. They offer radiotherapy as the standard follow up, but my consultant didn't think it was appropriate (due to likely side effects), so not going down that route (at least not now). Latest PET scan shows no signs of lymphoma, so currently all good, and on a regime of check-ups every 3 months. 2024 was pretty rubbish tbh, so hoping this year is a lot more positive! (If we can only improve my DS anxiety everything would be more positive- Treatment of that is less straightforward!)