Sore Throat & Tonsillitis
Sore Throat
There are many causes of a sore throat. They range from infections, inflammation and trauma to cancer. Infections of the tonsils, throat and sinuses can all lead to a sore throat. Inflammatory causes may include allergies or acid reflux which may cause some swelling and irritation of the throat lining. Trauma related events such as a scratch from something sharp in food, intubation during surgery may contribute to varying degrees of a sore throat.
Throat cancer occurs more frequently in individuals with a significant history of smoking or drinking. However, it may still occur in people with no history of smoking or drinking. HPV related throat cancers have been occurring at a higher rates over the last 20-30 years. Aside from a possible sore throat, throat cancer may be associated with weight loss, ear pain, changes in voice and a palpable neck mass or node.
Evaluation for throat cancer may involve a flexible laryngoscopy, bloodwork, a CT scan of the neck with IV contrast, and surgical biopsies of tissues suspected to be involved in cancer.
Tonsillitis
Tonsils are small tissue masses located at the back of the throat. Their purpose in early life is to sequester infections entering through the mouth and prevent travel further down into the lungs. However, tonsils sometimes become overwhelmed by infection or enlarge to the point of obstructing breathing. Chronic infections may also lead to small stones that can lead to discomfort, bad breath, and sometimes social distress. In these instances, the tonsils become more problematic than beneficial and may be removed with tonsillectomy.
