I have a visible stone in the back of my throat with a thin, smelly wall that's causing pain. What could this be?
Possible causes of symptoms in 3 mins

Q. What is the reason for the painful stone in my throat that smells bad and has a thin wall over it?

Answered by  
Dr. Murari. M.
and medically reviewed by   iCliniq medical review  team.

Education: MBBS., MS OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY (ENT)

Professional Bio:

Dr. Murari M, a skilled Otorhinolaryngologist, holds an MS from the West Bengal University of Health Sciences (2018). With 15 years of expertise, he serves at Royal United Hospital Bath (NHS), UK, ... 

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.
Consult other doctors in the same speciality >>
This is a premium question & answer published on Nov 08, 2023
Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have been having the problem of getting something stuck in my throat for a long time and a bad smell was also coming from time to time sores, etc. For the last 6 months pain and the stone is also visible on one side but the stone is not visible on the other side it hurts more there and for a few days I have tried to press with a finger but there is a thin skin wall next to the tonsil and it is like a tumor and the pain is also there so is it any serious problem?

Kindly help.

Answered by  Dr. Murari. M.
#

Hello,

Welcome toicliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

I am sorry to hear about your troubles. Thank you for the excellent image provided (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity); this reassuringly does not show anything grossly troublesome or suggestive of cancer. The main finding is that of an asymmetric tonsil with a more prominent tonsil on the left side, which otherwise appears normal. This can be persistent tonsilar tissue and can be found normally in up to 10 to 15 % of adults; however, a small percentage of this can also be due to a tonsilar malignancy or cancer, which can be ruled out only with further detailed evaluation and investigations. The rest of the symptoms can be secondary to laryngopharyngeal or silent reflux due to acid reflux into the throat.

  1. Do you have any other red-flag throat symptoms like difficulty swallowing, a change in voice, neck lumps, or nodes?

  2. Any reflux symptoms (heartburn, dyspepsia, sour reflux or fluid, dry cough)?

  3. Any history of cancer or radiation in the past?

  4. Smoking and alcohol history?

  5. Are there any other diseases or treatments for which you are undergoing treatment?

Revert with the answer to assist further.

Thank you and take care.


The Probable causes:

Asymmetric tonsils- inv ( To rule out cancer)

? Laryngopharyngeal reflux

Differential diagnosis:

Asymmetric tonsils- inv ( To rule out cancer)

? Laryngopharyngeal reflux

Probable diagnosis:

Asymmetric tonsils- inv ( To rule out cancer)

? Laryngopharyngeal reflux

Treatment plan:

Follow up with further details for a comprehensive management plan.

Preventive measures:

Warm water gargles ( no salt)

Dietary and lifestyle modifications to reduce reflux.

Observe the tonsils and if persisting for more than a week or two plan for further detailed assessment and management.

Regarding follow up:

Follow up in 2 weeks.

Observe the tonsils and if persisting for more than a week or two plan for further detailed assessment and management.

Review with more elaborate history for accurate diagnosis and management.


Was this answer helpful?
 | 

Same symptoms doesn’t mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!


Also Read Answers From:

ideaComprehensive Medical Second Opinion.Submit your Case


iCliniq's FREE Newsletters

Expert-backed health and wellness information, delivered to your email.

Thank you for subscribing to our Newsletters!

Also Read


PCOS and Liver Problems
The hormonal imbalances in polycystic ovary syndrome could cause liver diseases. Read the article to know the relationship between these medical conditions.  Read more»
Inferior Alveolar Nerve Lateralization Technique
The inferior alveolar nerve lateralization technique is a surgical lateralization technique to reposition the nerve. Read the article to know more about this.  Read more»
COVID-19 and Ebola: Similarities and Differences
This article gives a comparison and broader overview of the outbreak of the two deadliest diseases that showed a greater incidence over the last two decades.  Read more»

Ask your health query to a doctor online?

Ask an ENT Otolaryngologist Now
* guaranteed answer within 4 hours.
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.