Common Misdiagnoses of Tonsil Cancer

The tonsils are small structures located at the back of the throat and are part of the body's immune system that fights infections. Basically, the throat is composed of three types of tonsils: pharyngeal tonsil (adenoids), located in the back of the throat, palatine tonsils, located on the sides of the throat, and lingual tonsils, located at the base of the throat.

Cancer of the tonsils can affect any part of the oropharynx area,  including the soft palate and the base of the tongue. The type of tonsil cancer contracted depends on the tissue in which the cancer originates. While throat cancer usually involves the palatines on the sides of the throat, it can affect any of the various parts. Throat cancers can be either squamous cell carcinomas or lymphomas.

General symptoms include the following singularly or in combination:

• Bleeding
• Dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing)
• Loss of taste
• Mouth ulcer
• Sore throat
• Throat lump
• Throat pain
• Throat ulcer

Tonsil cancer may indicate the occurrence of another underlying condition. However, heavy use of alcohol and/or nicotine increases the risk of developing this particular cancer. The nicotine risk remains even for those who use smokeless tobacco, such as snuff or betel nut.

Additionally, those with compromised immune systems such as HIV/AIDS patients, are also vulnerable to tonsil cancer.

Common Misdiagnoses of Tonsil Cancer

Diagnosis of tonsil cancer usually includes the physician examining the inside of the mouth and the back of the throat to check for the presence and size of a tumor. The doctor may also examine the ears and nose to determine whether the tumor has spread. The physical exam is generally followed by blood tests and X-rays (to see if the cancer has spread to the lungs).

The doctor may also perform a fine needle aspiration biopsy, in which a needle is placed inside the mouth, and cells from the lump are suctioned. These cells are subsequently examined underneath a microscope to determine if they are cancerous.

Treatment will depend on the stage of the cancer. Early stage carcinoma may be treated with radiation therapy. An alternative treatment is induction chemotherapy, in which the tonsil tumor is shrunk. In advance stages of tonsil cancer, surgery followed with a combination of radiation and chemotherapy may be required.

Tonsil cancer can spread if left untreated. Therefore, it is important that it is properly and quickly diagnosed. However, sometimes misdiagnosis does occur. Tonsil cancer can be mistaken for tonsilitis or adenoiditis. In such cases, necessary treatment is often delayed or not provided at all.

Talk with an Attorney

If you suffer from tonsil cancer that was misdiagnosed, you may bring a case based on medical malpractice. You can seek compensation for the additional medical costs arising from the misdiagnosis, as well as other economic losses, such as lost wages. In some cases, you may also seek damages for pain and suffering. Talk with an experienced medical malpractice attorney to discuss your case.