Cancer tonsil

Cancer of the tonsil is a type of cancer that affects the tissue of the tonsils. It is a relatively rare form of cancer, accounting for only about 1 percent of all adult cancer cases, but it can be a serious condition. The tissue of the tonsils is made up of several different types of cells, and cancer can develop in any of them. The most common type of tonsil cancer is squamous cell carcinoma, which starts in the thin, flat cells that line the surface of the tonsils. Other types of tonsil cancer include adenocarcinoma, lymphoma, and sarcoma. The most common symptoms of tonsil cancer include a sore throat, difficulty or pain when swallowing, and a lump or mass in the neck. Other symptoms may include earache, hoarseness, and unexplained weight loss. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, imaging tests, and a biopsy. Treatment for tonsil cancer may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of the three. The prognosis for tonsil cancer depends on the stage at which it is diagnosed, but overall the five-year survival rate is approximately 70 percent.