Tonsil Cyst vs. Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Tonsil cysts and tonsil cancer can cause similar symptoms. A doctor can differentiate between them with tests like imaging and biopsies.
Your tonsils are lumps of lymph tissue at the back of your throat. They help protect your body from germs that enter your mouth.
Cysts are noncancerous fluid-filled masses that can develop on your tonsils. They often don’t cause symptoms until they grow large.
Types of cysts that may affect the tonsils include:
- tonsillar retention cysts
- epidermoid cysts
- lymphoepithelial cysts
- hydatid cysts (very rarely)
Tonsil cancer is the most common type of mouth and throat cancer. The most common subtype is called squamous cell carcinoma.
Read on to learn more about these two conditions, including what causes them and how doctors diagnose them.
Tonsil cyst vs. cancer symptoms
Here are the typical symptoms of tonsil cysts and tonsil cancer.
Tonsil cyst symptoms
A tonsil cyst usually develops as a painless mass. A doctor may first detect it during a routine examination, but some people may have trouble swallowing or feel like they have something stuck in their throat.
Less commonly, symptoms may include:
Tonsil cancer symptoms
Potential signs and symptoms of tonsil cancer include:
- one tonsil larger than the other
- painless neck lump
- sore throat
- ear pain
- difficulty swallowing
- bad breath
- feeling like you have something in your throat
- bleeding tonsil
- swollen lymph nodes
What causes tonsil cysts vs. tonsil cancer?
Tonsil cancer results from genetic mutations in the cells in your tonsils. Tonsil cysts can have many different causes.
Tonsil cyst causes
According to one 2019 paper, the most common type of cyst that starts on your tonsils is a tonsillar retention cyst. These cysts develop from a blocked mucus gland.
Less common types of tonsil cysts include:
- Mucocele cysts: These cysts often develop after traumatic injury due to the accumulation of saliva that causes swelling.
- Demoid cysts: Demoid cysts can develop due to trapped cells. They can occur anywhere in your body.
- Lymphoepithelial cysts: Lymphoepithelial cysts may develop when openings in your tonsils become plugged with a buildup of cells. They’re very rare on the tonsils, with only about six cases reported in this location in the medical literature.
- Epidermoid cysts: The same 2019 paper says that fewer than 1 in 1,000 epidermoid cysts in the mouth develop on the tonsils. These cysts develop when the cells on the surface become covered over by new cells instead of shedding off.
A peritonsillar abscess can appear similar to a cyst. It’s a bacterial infection that usually results from untreated strep throat. It causes a pus-filled bump to form on one of your tonsils or near your tonsils in the back of the roof of your mouth.
Tonsil cancer causes
Like all types of cancer, tonsil cancer results from genetic changes to your cells that cause them to replicate uncontrollably. These changes can arise due to genetic factors or damage to your cells that occur later in life.
Who gets tonsil cysts or cancer?
Here are some of the potential risk factors for tonsil cysts and tonsil cancer.
Tonsil cyst risk factors
Oral cysts often develop for no apparent reason and without clear risk factors. Oral lymphoepithelial cysts occur at about the same rate in males and females and develop at an average age of about 44 years.
Tonsil cancer risk factors
Risk factors for tonsil cancer include:
- smoking
- alcohol overuse
- HPV infection
- a family history of oral cancer
When to contact a doctor
It’s a good idea to contact a doctor if you notice any changes to your tonsils, such as swelling at the back of your throat or persistent throat pain that lasts more than about 2 weeks.
Throat pain can have many different causes, and some of these causes require medical attention.
Diagnosing tonsil cysts vs. cancer
Many tonsillar cysts are too small to cause noticeable symptoms. A doctor may find them when they look at your throat or through imaging tests like CT scans and MRI.
Along with imaging, a doctor may want to take a biopsy if they suspect cancer. A biopsy involves taking a small tissue sample so that an expert can analyze it in a laboratory. The doctor can also use the biopsy to see which type of cancer you may have.
How do doctors treat tonsil cysts and tonsil cancer?
These are the treatment options for tonsil cysts and tonsil cancer.
Tonsil cyst treatment
Small cysts often don’t need treatment if they aren’t causing symptoms. But surgeons can remove larger cysts to reduce symptoms.
Tonsil cancer treatment
The most common treatments for tonsil cancer are:
- surgery
- radiation therapy
- chemotherapy and radiation therapy together
Learn more about the treatment for throat cancer.
Can you prevent tonsil cysts or tonsil cancer?
Tonsil cysts often develop for no apparent reason, and they aren’t typically preventable.
You may be able to reduce your chance of developing tonsil cancer by:
- avoiding smoking
- not consuming large amounts of alcohol
- getting vaccinated against HPV
Frequently asked questions about tonsil cysts vs. tonsil cancer
Here are some frequently asked questions that people have about tonsil cysts and tonsil cancer.
What do tonsil cancer lesions look like?
Tonsil cancer may cause one side of your throat to look different than the other. You might notice swelling or red or white patches.
How do I know if my tonsil cyst is cancerous?
You can figure out if your cyst is cancerous by visiting a doctor. They can order imaging tests or a biopsy to rule out or diagnose cancer.
What is the first stage of tonsil cancer?
Tonsil cancer in the early stages is contained to your tonsil and may not cause noticeable symptoms. Late stage cancer can spread to your lymph nodes and other tissues.
What is the tonsil cancer survival rate?
The survival rate for tonsil cancer depends on whether you test positive for HPV. HPV tumors have a 5-year survival rate of about 71% compared with about 46% for HPV-negative tumors.
The 5-year survival rate looks at who’s still alive 5 years after their initial diagnosis compared with people who don’t have cancer.
Takeaway
Tonsillar cysts are often small and may not cause noticeable symptoms. Tonsil cancer often causes a persistent sore throat or a noticeable lump on one side of your throat.
It’s a good idea to visit a doctor if you develop sore throat symptoms that last for more than about 2 weeks. Many different conditions can cause throat symptoms, and some require medical treatment.
What is a Tonsil Cyst?
A tonsil cyst is a small, benign sac filled with fluid that develops in the tonsils. They are usually harmless and occur due to blocked glands or mucus buildup.
What are the Symptoms of a Tonsil Cyst?
Common symptoms of a tonsil cyst include a feeling of a foreign object in the throat, mild discomfort when swallowing, and sometimes bad breath. They are often asymptomatic.
Is a Tonsil Cyst Cancerous?
No, a tonsil cyst is not cancerous. It is a benign condition and not related to cancer.
What are the Causes of Tonsil Cysts?
Tonsil cysts are typically caused by blocked salivary glands, throat infections, or accumulation of mucus in the tonsils.
How is Tonsil Cancer Different from a Tonsil Cyst?
Tonsil cancer is a malignant growth and can be life-threatening, whereas a tonsil cyst is benign and generally harmless. Tonsil cancer symptoms can include persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and unexplained weight loss.
What are the Symptoms of Tonsil Cancer?
Symptoms of tonsil cancer may include persistent soreness, a lump in the neck, white patches on the tonsil, and ear pain. It requires a professional medical evaluation.
How are Tonsil Cysts Treated?
Treatment for tonsil cysts often involves monitoring, and they may resolve on their own. If necessary, they can be removed through a minor surgical procedure.
What is the Treatment for Tonsil Cancer?
Treatment for tonsil cancer typically includes surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, depending on its stage and severity.
Thank you for this informative post! It’s helpful to understand the differences between a tonsil cyst and cancer, especially since their symptoms can sometimes be similar. The breakdown of symptoms, causes, and treatment options is super useful for anyone experiencing throat issues and looking to understand their condition better. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional, but having this information is a great starting point for understanding what might be going on. Thanks again for shedding light on this topic!