About four months ago, I started having a mild sore throat and a fullness in both ears. The soreness in my throat was confined to one specific spot. From what I could tell, the pain was on the right side, at the base of my tounge and epiglotis.
In the intervening months, I have had two fiber laryngoscopies, one micro laryngoscopy, and an esophagoscopy. The doctor who performed these procedures, also took biopsies from three sites near the root of my tounge.
The results of all of the procedures and tests have been normal. The ENT says that I have nothing to worry about. I wish that I were as confident as he.
It has been four months, and I am still feeling the same symtoms. I last saw the doctor three weeks ago, at which time he did another fiber laryngoscopy. He said that the trouble was in my sinuses and put me on Flonase. It hasn't done any good.
The reason I am worried is that it hasn't gone away. I used Copenhagen snuff for approximately 14 years.
Should I take his word that It is nothing and stop worrying?
Reply: -----------------
It sounds as though you have had a very meticulous evaluation to rule out malignancy. Furthermore, the use of snuff would be more likely associated with oral malignancy near your gums, cheek, or under your tongue as opposed to where you describe the location of your sore throat. Another possible cause for your sore throat that might be considered is gastro-esophageal reflux whereby acid secretions from the stomach reflux upwards into the esophagus and throat causing a chronic inflammation in the pharyngeal or laryngeal mucosa. Yet another possible cause might be chronic lymphoid inflammation in the tonsil tissue located at the base of the tongue. Outside of these possibilities, I would advise continued observation and would be specifically watchful for any progression or worsening of symptoms or the development of any swollen lymph nodes in the neck. You might also consider daily gargling with a mild salt and baking soda solution to help relieve the symptom.
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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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