lump in mouth

by becky
(loughhborough)

A week ago I went to the doctors because I thought I maybe getting tonsillitis. The doctor said my glands and tonsils where swollen but it should just go with Paracetamol and ibuprofen. I have been taking these and it seems to be going down. This morning when I woke up my throat was really hurting me and I can feel a large lump on the back of my mouth at the top near to my tonsils. When I touch it, it really hurts also when I swallow (eat and drink). The lump feels quite soft when I touch it and it’s about an inch long. I don't have any past medical history. I smoke around 10 cigarettes a day. I drink alcohol but only about twice a month. It is really worrying me and I'm not sure if I should go to the doctors or if it will just go away. Thank you

Quinsy

I’m concerned from your description that you may have quinsy. This is an abscess that forms as a complication of tonsillitis. It is an ENT emergency as it can quickly swell and block off the airway. Early signs include stridor or noisy breathing. It should be checked urgently and I would encourage you to go to your local hospital to have this checked.

If it is quinsy it will likely need to be incised and drained by an ENT surgeon. You will probably need antibiotics too. Incision and drainage is a very simple and effective procedure and will prevent any complications from occurring.




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