Tonsillitis and tonsil cancer can cause similar symptoms, but they tend to occur at different ages. Tonsillitis is most common in children, and tonsil cancer is most common in older adults.

Your tonsils are pads of lymph tissue at the back of your throat that act as your immune system’s first line of defense against germs. They’re not considered vital organs because you can still live a full life after having them surgically removed.

Tonsillitis is tonsil inflammation that’s most often caused by bacterial or viral infections. Many of the microbes that cause tonsillitis also cause other common infections like the common cold.

Tonsil cancer is a relatively common cancer that can spread to nearby structures or distant parts of your body. A doctor is most likely to suspect it if you’re over the age of 55.

In this article, we look at the similarities and differences between tonsil cancer and tonsillitis.

Here are the typical symptoms of tonsil cancer and tonsillitis.

Tonsil cancer symptoms

Tonsil cancer might not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages. When symptoms do appear, they can mimic those of many other throat conditions, such as:

Other symptoms can include:

  • blood in your saliva
  • trouble speaking or swallowing
  • pain when consuming citrus foods and drinks
  • lump or pain in your neck
  • swollen lymph nodes
  • bad breath

Tonsillitis symptoms

Tonsillitis symptoms can include:

  • red and swollen tonsils
  • sore throat
  • pain when swallowing
  • fever
  • swollen lymph nodes in your neck
  • raspy voice
  • bad breath
  • abdominal pain
  • neck pain or stiffness
  • headache

Young children who can’t talk may also have:

  • drooling
  • refusal to eat
  • new fussiness

Tonsil cancer is caused by genetic mutations that cause cells to replicate too quickly. Tonsillitis is usually caused by infections.

Tonsil cancer causes

Cancer develops when genetic changes in your cells cause them to replicate uncontrollably. These changes can develop due to genes inherited from your parents and from genetic mutations that develop throughout your life.

People with a family history of mouth or throat cancer tend to be more likely to develop it themselves.

Tonsillitis causes

Viral or bacterial infections usually cause tonsillitis. The most common causes are viruses that cause the common cold, such as:

  • rhinoviruses
  • respiratory syncytial viruses
  • adenoviruses
  • coronaviruses

Other viral causes include:

Bacterial causes include:

  • group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus (GABHS)
  • Staphylococcus aureus
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae
  • Haemophilus influenza
  • sexually transmitted infections like syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia

The following have been identified as risk factors or potential risk factors for tonsillitis and tonsil cancer.

Tonsil cancer risk factors

Tonsil cancer risk factors include:

Oral and throat cancers become more common with age. The average age of diagnosis in the United States is around 64. Only about 20% of these cancers occur in people under 55.

In Western countries, rates of throat cancer have dramatically risen in recent years due to increased rates of HPV infection. The tonsils are the most common place for these cancers to develop.

There are many different types of HPV. HPV 16 is responsible for about 90% of HPV-positive mouth and throat cancers.

Tonsillitis risk factors

Tonsillitis is most common in children. Although it isn’t contagious, many of the infections that cause it are.

Risk factors for tonsillitis include:

  • living in an urban environment
  • age under 15
  • being around people frequently exposed to viruses and bacteria, such as in a classroom

It’s generally a good idea to visit a doctor if your sore throat doesn’t get better after about 2 weeks.

Many conditions other than tonsillitis or cancer can also cause a sore throat. For example, strep throat is a common cause of a sore throat that may require antibiotics.

A doctor can often diagnose tonsillitis by examining your throat. They may also take a swab of your throat or take a blood sample to identify the cause of an infection.

You may receive diagnostic tests for tonsil cancer, such as:

Here’s a look at how tonsil cancer and tonsillitis are treated.

Tonsil cancer treatment

Treatment options for tonsil cancer commonly include:

  • surgery
  • radiation therapy
  • chemotherapy combined with radiation therapy

Less intense treatment is often effective for people with HPV-negative cancer.

Learn more about treatment for throat cancers.

Tonsillitis treatment

Tonsillitis may be treated with:

You can’t always prevent tonsil cancer, but you may be able to reduce your risk by avoiding heavy alcohol use or smoking.

Tonsillitis may be somewhat preventable by keeping your child away from people who currently have colds or other infections that can lead to tonsillitis.

Here are some frequently asked questions people have about tonsil cancer and tonsillitis.

Can you still get tonsil cancer without tonsils?

It’s possible to get tonsil cancer even if you’ve had your tonsils removed. The cancer can start in the tissue left behind after removal.

Is tonsil cancer deadly?

Tonsil cancer can spread to lymph nodes or other nearby tissues. Advanced tonsil cancer can be deadly.

What’s the difference between tonsil cancer and tonsil stones?

Tonsil stones are when bacteria and debris get stuck to your tonsils and harden. They can cause a sore throat or noticeable buildup on your tonsils.

What is the tonsil cancer survival rate?

HPV-positive tonsil cancer has a 5-year survival rate of about 71%. HPV-negative cancer has a 5-year survival rate of about 46%. A 5-year survival rate means that a person is alive five years after their initial diagnosis.

Tonsillitis and tonsil cancer can cause similar symptoms. Tonsillitis is most common in school-aged children, while tonsil cancer is most common in older adults.

Doctors often recommend antibiotics or surgery to treat tonsillitis. Tonsil cancer may be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.