I don't think a visual nasal and throat exam is sufficient followup for tonsil cancer. Quite often that cancer has moved to the lymph glands. Palpating the glands in your throat may reveal swelling.

Prior to my treatment for hpv tonsil cancer my radiologist ordered a NavDx blood test and PETscan. Both were positive. Right after treatment the tests were repeated and both showed very low levels of cancer. The treatment was still working at that time. 3 months later they were repeated again. Results were negative. 6 months later they were still negative. My last round is coming up next month. If results are still negative they will be discontinued unless there are new symptoms....hopefully not! I like and feel very comfortable that my cancer is gone.