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I had a tonsillectomy in June 2023 with lasting complications.

Posted by jas0950 @jas0950, Oct 26 6:42pm

I had a tonsillectomy in June 2023 due to excessive tonsil stone formation. I am now experiencing taste distortion and a sensation of a ball of phlegm in my throat which I cannot clear or swallow away; these symptoms persist still after 4 months post surgery. I also have extremely sticky thick spit/phlegm in my mouth and throat. I must drink with every bite of food to swallow effectively. My ENT suspected silent GERD but at his direction, doubling my Lansoprazole dosage for 4 weeks did nothing. He now has scheduled a swallow test, speech therapy & a esophogram in 2 weeks. Looking for answers. Hoping nothing like cancer is going on. Is this anything anyone else has experienced as an adult having a tonsillectomy at 50+ years of age? I am 57.

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slmoore0626 | @slmoore0626 | Oct 31 7:54am

I had a tonsillectomy at age 70 (May 2023) and a follow up lymph node dissection to remove 18 lymph nodes and any residual at the first surgery site. Then radiation and chemo. Some side effects still linger but getting better. It is my understanding that the mucous is due to lack of saliva that would normally help clear it. It has gotten better but slowly. Eating is a chore but I only lost about ten pounds and am now putting a little weight back on. I also have issues with speech and will see my third ENT in December to scope my throat. I sound very nasal but all of my symptoms have gotten better but it can be frustrating. I have been exceptionally pleased with my doctors at Wake Forest Baptist.

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1 reply
jas0950 | @jas0950 | Oct 31 8:06pm
In reply to @slmoore0626 "I had a tonsillectomy at age 70 (May 2023) and a follow up lymph node dissection..." + (show)
@slmoore0626

I had a tonsillectomy at age 70 (May 2023) and a follow up lymph node dissection to remove 18 lymph nodes and any residual at the first surgery site. Then radiation and chemo. Some side effects still linger but getting better. It is my understanding that the mucous is due to lack of saliva that would normally help clear it. It has gotten better but slowly. Eating is a chore but I only lost about ten pounds and am now putting a little weight back on. I also have issues with speech and will see my third ENT in December to scope my throat. I sound very nasal but all of my symptoms have gotten better but it can be frustrating. I have been exceptionally pleased with my doctors at Wake Forest Baptist.

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I’m not sure if I understand you correctly? Did you have throat cancer thus needing a tonsillectomy or did they find cancer during the surgery after pathology reporting? If not, why the chemo & radiation? I’m so sorry you are struggling like myself. I just want this glob in my throat sensation to go away. So awful especially when trying to go to sleep. ENT “sees nothing” there and says it’s a phantom sensation possibly from silent GERD. I’ll have to let you my results from my swallow test and esophagram. I pray it’s nothing serious like cancer. Thanks for your response. I surely appreciate you taking the time to respond. God Bless You.

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slmoore0626 | @slmoore0626 | Nov 1 8:00am

Yes. I had tonsil cancer and two of my lymph nodes were metastatic. My mucous situation was caused by radiation to the throat.

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jas0950 | @jas0950 | Nov 1 11:31am
In reply to @slmoore0626 "Yes. I had tonsil cancer and two of my lymph nodes were metastatic. My mucous situation..." + (show)
@slmoore0626

Yes. I had tonsil cancer and two of my lymph nodes were metastatic. My mucous situation was caused by radiation to the throat.

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I’m so sorry. Prayers for continued positive healing. I had an elective surgery due to chronic tonsillitis and constant tonsil stones. Pathology reported no malignancy. It’s been over 4 months now and my taste is still off and this throat/swallowing issue remains and is getting worse rather than better. I was reading all my surgeons and pathology notes. Noticed that while pathology reported no malignancy, each tonsil had reactive lymphoid hyperplasia. Surgeon also noted at second follow up on MyChart that “there is possible scaring from the anterior pillar to the posterolataral tongue on both sides versus normal healing”. He never mentioned that to me. I wonder if any of those observations is causing my issues. I guess I’ll find out soon once the swallow test is done and we have a chat about results. I’m going to mention both things I read in his “notes”. Thanks again for sharing your story.

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