Tonsil Cancer

Overview

Tonsil cancer is a cancerous tumor on your tonsils, which are in the back of your throat (pharynx). Tonsil cancer is the most common form of oropharyngeal cancer. A sore throat that doesn’t go away is a common early symptom. Often, healthcare providers can successfully treat tonsil cancer if they detect it before it spreads.

How common is tonsil cancer?

It’s not common. The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that in 2024, more than 21,000 people in the U.S. will develop a type of oropharyngeal cancer, including tonsil cancer. For comparison, the ACS estimates more than 2 million people in the U.S. will develop some type of cancer.

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Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.