Are tonsil cysts common? Do they make you ill? Could it be a symptom of an underlying medical condition like cancer? A cyst near tonsil could be cancer. Find the possible causes, treatment removal and home remedies to get rid of a cyst on tonsils. This post will provide you detailed information from NHS. In the post, you will find the medical question on tonsil cyst. There are pictures to give you a visual guide on how the cyst appears. You can relate this with your symptom.
A cyst can be described as a lump that has outer layer covering it. The lump collects fluid, pus or other materials, this is what is called a cyst. The cyst can be of different type usually depending on their tissue of origin. You may have a sebaceous or epidermal cyst.
A cyst on tonsil could be a mucous retention cyst developing in the throat, back of mouth and tonsils. What are the causes of this cyst? Post nasal drip due to cold or sinusitis could be the cause. Although less common, mouth cancer could the other cause. A small cold could turn into a lump which later on develops to a cyst in the tonsils.
Tonsil cyst symptoms
What are the symptoms of a cyst near tonsils? A cyst in mouth, back of throat and tonsil could cause difficulty in important tasks such breathing or swallowing food. You should see your healthcare provider in such cases. Some of the signs and symptoms include:
- White or red lump on the tonsils
- Feeling like something is stuck in the throat
- Itchy and irritating throat or tonsils
- A popping sound in the ear
The above listed symptoms are the most common one. However, the symptoms tend to vary from person to person. This is based on the types of cysts.
Tonsil cyst NHS
According to NHS, a cyst on tonsil could be a tumor. This can develop in the glands producing saliva, at the back of the mouth and throat. Although they are less common, you should check for the symptoms. The cyst in mouth, back of throat and tonsils could be a sign of cancer of the mouth. Below here are the symptoms of mouth cancer. They include:
Sore ulcers in the mouth that takes several weeks to heal
- A lump in the mouth that refuses to go away
- Your teeth becoming loose, sockets that fail to heal after tooth extraction
- Changes in speech
- Unexplained and persistent numbness on the lip or tongue
- White or red patches appearing on the lining of the mouth or tongue
Tonsil cyst picture
The picture inserted below is to help you understand how tonsils cyst actually look like. Throughout the post, you will find more of these pictures. They are meant to give you a visual aid that you can relate with your symptoms.
Cyst on tonsil causes
A cyst on tonsil can mean a number of possible reasons. Find the causes below here.
1. Tonsil cyst cancer
Could the cyst behind your throat a sign of cancer? A number of online information on websites have tend to point a cyst or lump in your tonsils as cancer. We give you practical information concerning your health. This is to help you identify the underlying problem for you to get the right diagnosis.
Tonsil cysts are in most cases benign. They are not cancerous. However, you should visit your healthcare provider for checkups. Cancer of the throat can begin as a lump or cyst. Early identification is the key to successful treatment.
2. Sore throat or cold
Do you feel like something is stuck in your throat? Sore throat or cold could feel like a lump or a cyst in the throat near the tonsils. Most sore throats or cold are causes by viral infection. Other causes include; irritation, bacterial infection and environmental factors. A disease like GERD could also cause a sore throat.
Most sore throat don’t necessarily require treatment. You may see your doctor if the sore throat or cold lasts for more than one week.
3. Mucous retention cyst
A cyst in tonsil could be a mucous retention cyst. This is small sac that forms when the duct of mucus becomes blocked or irritated. They are commonly found in the upper respiratory tract. Parts that are affected include the sinuses, salivary gland, the vocal cords, the lips, throats near the tonsils.
Upon noticing a mucous retention cyst, you may be bothered about the primary causes and whether it is cancerous. These sac in your throat are benign, but should be taking seriously. They can lead to damage in your respiratory tract.
Treatment comes into play if the cyst causes severe pain. Surgery to either remover or adjust the cyst is usually done. Throat and tonsil Surgery can be performed to drain the mucous. The tonsil can be surgically removed.
4. Post nasal drip
This is the mucous that drips down the back of the throat. It is usually occur as a result of excess mucous production. It can be triggered by many causes such as:
- Cold, flu
- Allergies
- Inflammation of the sinuses, sinusitis
- Pregnancy
- Certain medications
- Certain foods, spicy
Post nasal drip makes you have the urge to constantly want to clear your throat. It can also a worse cough especially at night.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Antibiotics can help clear up bacterial infection. Antihistamines and decongestants can often help with treat postnasal drip caused by sinusitis and viral infections.
5. Smoking and drinking alcohol
The cyst in your throat and tonsils could be as a result of excessive drinking and smoking. Quitting these habits can help to stop new cysts from coming.
Tonsil cyst removal
A cyst is generally harmless. It doesn’t require medical attention. Tonsil cyst removal is usually through surgery Most cysts are benign therefore non-cancerous. Treatment only comes into play if the cyst produces severe pain. Tonsil surgery can be performed to remove or drain the cyst.
Cyst on tonsils treatment
What is the treatment for tonsils cysts? Treatment would largely depend on the underlying causes.it may be drained or even total excision. The treatment include:
1. Antibiotics
Whenever you visit your doctor, the recommended treatments is usually antibiotics. They are used to clear up a bacterial infection causing the cyst.
2. Antihistamines and decongestants
If the cause of cyst or lump arise from allergies, then you will be prescribed with antihistamines to manage the allergies. Decongestants are used to clear up a dry throat and postnasal drips.
3 Surgery
A cyst that takes more than a week to heal can be removed through surgical procedures. This is done to drain the cyst. Usually if the cyst in your tonsil and throat is a mucous retention cyst. Otherwise, if the cyst is causing you severe pain, the tonsils can be removed through surgery.
4. Chemotherapy
Most of the painful cysts or lumps are benign, but they can become cancerous. If your physician suspects cancer, a part of the cyst may be cut out and tested for malignancy. This is called biopsy. Malignant cysts are then completely removed. Chemotherapy and other medications may be required.
Tonsil cyst home remedies
The following home remedies should help you to get rid of a cyst on tonsil and near throat. They include:
1. Alkalol Gargle
This is one of the effective home remedy to get rid of a cyst on tonsils. Alkalol solution contains herbal ingredients such as menthol, oil, eucalyptol and peppermint. It helps to treat nasal discharge down your throat. Here’s how to use:
- Take 3 to 4 spoons in a glass
- Add some warm water to dilute
- Gargle the solution for at least 20 seconds
Make sure while gargling the solution touches the tonsil cyst. Alkalol will slowly decrease the size of the cyst making it go away fast.
2. Tomato Soup
Tomato soup is also another way to get rid of cyst in throat and tonsils.
- Make clear tomato soup
- Add a good sprinkling of pepper
- Drink a cup of this hot soup slowly preferably sip by sip
- Tomatoes contains flavonoids which are powerful antioxidants.
3. Lemon
Rich in ascorbic acid and vitamin C, lemon is a powerful antioxidant. It has anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce the swelling in your throat and tonsils. It helps remove harmful infections such as bacteria or virus.
- Take fresh lemons
- Squeeze its juice in a glass. Add hot water.
- Add three teaspoons of honey. Stir the mixture
- Drink the mixture
- Do this two or three times for quicker relief
4. Black Tea
This popular beverage is rich in tannins which have antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to get rid of infections causing cysts.
- Make some black tea
- Add two teaspoons of honey
- Drink three cups daily for faster relief
- You can gargle the tonsils with black tea twice every day.
5. Turmeric
Turmeric is another effective home remedy for cysts on tonsils.
- Take a glass of hot milk or water
- Add a teaspoon of turmeric powder
- Stir to mix. Add one teaspoon of honey in the mixture
- Drink this mixture twice daily.
6. Ginger
Ginger is also effective in healing throat problems.
- Add two teaspoon of finely crushed ginger in a glass of hot water
- Add a teaspoon of honey into the mixture
- Drink slowly, preferably sip by sip
- Do this twice or thrice daily for faster relief
- Ginger will clear infection in your throat and tonsils immediately.
Sources and references:
- http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer-of-the-mouth/pages/introduction.aspx
- http://www.healthline.com/health/sore-throat – your-doctor4
- http://www.doctorshealthpress.com/general-health-articles/mucous-retention-cyst/
- http://www.webmd.com/allergies/postnasal-drip – 3