Mr. Quyen's ear, nose, and throat endoscopy revealed a rough surface on his right tonsil, with a palpable, firm mass beneath the throat's mucous membrane. An MRI and biopsy confirmed squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil, a malignant tumor approximately 4.5 cm in size, accompanied by multiple neck lymph nodes.

The tonsils are located at the junction of the throat, close to several vital structures (tongue, throat wall, major blood vessels). Cancer in this location tends to metastasize to the cervical lymph nodes early. Associate Professor, Doctor Le Minh Ky, Head of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi, recommended endoscopic surgery to remove the tumor and dissect the lymph nodes to prevent metastasis.

Dr. Ky surgically exposed the cauliflower-like tumor on the right tonsil, which had spread to the pharyngeal wall. He removed the tumor and surrounding tissue. The specimen was sent for rapid testing to ensure complete removal of malignant tissues. The surgical team then carefully dissected the lymph nodes around the nerves, taking precautions to avoid damage to the complex network of nerves and blood vessels in the neck. The lymph node biopsy results showed no metastatic cancer cells, leading to a positive prognosis.

Associate Professor Ky and the surgical team perform endoscopic surgery to remove the tonsil cancer. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Associate Professor Ky and the surgical team perform endoscopic surgery to remove the tonsil cancer. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Mr. Quyen recovered well and was discharged after 10 days. The doctor advised him to quit smoking and continue regular checkups as scheduled.

Tonsil cancer, a type of throat cancer, is more prevalent in men in their 50s and 60s. Several factors increase the risk of this cancer, including HPV, tobacco, and alcohol. HPV, especially type 16, is a common cause in younger individuals. Immunodeficiency, chronic throat infections, and genetic factors can also elevate the risk.

In its early stages, the symptoms of tonsil cancer are often subtle and easily confused with benign conditions like a sore throat or chronic tonsillitis, leading patients to overlook them and delay treatment. As the tumor grows, it can cause ulcers, bleeding, swollen neck lymph nodes, or pain radiating to the ear. By this point, the disease has often progressed to an advanced stage, requiring more complex and expensive treatment.

To prevent and detect tonsil cancer early, Dr. Ky recommends avoiding alcohol and tobacco, practicing safe sex, and getting the HPV vaccine. If you experience persistent symptoms like a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, pain while swallowing, hoarseness, or swollen neck lymph nodes, seek immediate consultation with an otorhinolaryngologist. Individuals at high risk, especially long-term smokers and drinkers, should undergo regular head and neck checkups.

Khue Lam

*The patient's name has been changed.