Can I have pharyngitis or oral HPV due to recurrent lumps on the tonsil?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 26-year-old male and I feel like I have chronic tonsil issues. I often get them inflamed and I take antibiotics to cure it. Last year, I was diagnosed with genital HPV and the result was clear. But I am worried about whether I have oral HPV now. Before two months, I noticed two lumps on one of my tonsils and now I feel like there is a growing mass above the left tonsil. It makes me feel discomfort during swallowing. I went to the doctor last time and she gave me antibiotics. She did not tell me anything abnormal. But I am worried whether it could be something other than inflammation.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through the photo sent (attachment removed to protect patient identity). With the symptoms you have mentioned, I can say that you have pharyngitis with tonsillitis. The small lumps present on the anterior tonsillar pillar are actually lymphoid follicles and it is present in plenty in oropharynx and nasopharynx. It functions to protect our body from the entry of virulent organisms. They do not represent the possibility of HPV (human papillomavirus) or cancer or malignancy. You can take a tablet containing a combination of Amoxicillin 500 mg with Clavulanic acid 125 mg three times a day for five days. This is an antibiotic and it can cause loose motion for few peoples. If you have loose motion after taking it, you can start taking a probiotic one tablet in the morning and evening for the next one week. You can take tablet Zerodol P (Aceclofenac and Paracetamol) one tablet two times a day after food (12 hours apart) for five days. You can take tablet Pan D (Pantoprazole) one tablet once a day before breakfast for a week. You can do saltwater gargles eight to ten times a day for a month. Avoid taking oily, spicy, and cold food or beverages. Keep sipping boiled warm water every three hours. Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption. All these precautionary measures have to be followed to prevent a recurrence. These are extremely important and it needs to be followed to prevent relapse of symptoms.