Tonsil cancer involves the formation of a tumor in the tonsils, two tissue masses located at the back of the throat. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it is the most common form of oropharyngeal cancer.

Symptoms of tonsil cancer are often vague and non-specific, making them easily overlooked or mistaken for common ear, nose, and throat conditions. However, experts note that many signs share a common characteristic: they appear on only one side.

A persistent sore throat on one side is a key indicator of tonsil cancer, as reported by Prevention. This symptom often lasts for many weeks, does not improve like a common sore throat, and can occur even without fever or signs of infection. It is important to remember that a sore throat alone does not mean cancer, as many other conditions can cause similar symptoms.

A persistent one-sided sore throat may signal tonsil cancer. Photo created by AI

Unexplained ear pain is another potential sign. Some individuals experience a dull ache in one ear, even when the ear itself is completely normal. This occurs because a tonsil tumor can irritate nerves shared with the ear, causing referred pain.

Verywell Health also highlights ear pain as a common symptom of tonsil cancer, especially when it occurs only on one side and persists. If this condition does not subside after treatment for common ear, nose, and throat ailments, individuals should seek medical attention to determine the cause.

A painless lump in the neck can be the first sign in many tonsil cancer cases, rather than a sore throat. Particularly in cases linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV), cancer cells may spread to the neck lymph nodes early, before causing many symptoms in the tonsils. Such lumps often persist and do not disappear even after inflammation or infection has resolved.

An unusually enlarged tonsil on one side is also a warning sign. Many people receive a tonsil cancer diagnosis after noticing one tonsil is significantly larger than the other. Some may also experience a feeling of obstruction in the throat, difficulty swallowing, or a sensation of something stuck in the throat.

Early-stage tonsil cancer symptoms are often vague and easily confused with tonsillitis, tonsil stones, or other throat infections. Therefore, a lasting difference in size between the two tonsils requires evaluation by an ear, nose, and throat specialist.

Experts advise against complacency if a sore throat, ear pain, neck lump, or unusually enlarged tonsil persists for more than two weeks or does not improve with conventional treatment.

Bao Bao (Compiled)