The formation of various cysts, papillomas and other growths outside the body is not particularly surprising to anyone. In addition, such benign formations are not so disturbing. It is another matter when some of them are formed inside the body, for example in the throat. Here the reason for concern is completely understandable - the formation is not visible, in some cases it creates discomfort, in others - not. We naturally ask ourselves the question: isn't it cancer?
Which benign growths can appear in the throat and what risks do they pose?
Should we be worried about the cyst?
Some people are very afraid of cysts, thinking that they are a kind of oncological entity. Not everything is so simple here. The good news is that such cysts rarely become malignant, i.e.f. the chances of it turning into cancer tend to zero. But on the other hand, if they are not treated, it can lead to the development of polycystic disease.
Cyst or papilloma?
Cysts are of different types. The most common is the formation in the palatine tonsil. For example, a person has developed chronic tonsillitis, the tissues of the glands are affected, plugs are formed in the thickness of the palatine tonsils. If left untreated, the cyst becomes encapsulated. This capsule is transparent and therefore not visible. At first, its size may be small, but after some time it will start to increase. And the more the tonsillitis continues to rage, the bigger the cyst will become.
Cysts can form in one or both tonsils, which means that the risk of developing polycystic disease increases. But other types of formations can also appear in the throat. For example, papillomas. They can form on the soft palate, on the palate of the tongue and on the back of the pharynx. A papilloma should be evaluated by a doctor to determine if it has a tendency toward malignancy.
Why do cysts appear?
There are several reasons for the appearance of cysts in the throat. For example, they can be genetically determined and often have a tendency to manifest themselves in generations. Another point is problems with nasal breathing. If it is difficult or incomplete, the pharynx receives less oxygen, a state of hypoxia is formed and the risk of developing cysts and polyps increases. Also, the reason may lie in anatomical features in the structure of the skull, when it develops atypically, which leads to a tendency to hypoxia of the nasopharynx. For example, when the soft palate adheres to the back of the pharynx, does not allow full ventilation of the nasopharynx, this is also a precedent for the formation of tumors.
What are the alarm bells?
Among the most common symptoms that can accompany the formation of a cyst in the throat, specialists indicate:
• foreign body sensation
• dry throat
• feeling lumpy.
Sometimes there are situations where in a normal state everything is fine, but when swallowed the problem is felt very clearly.
It is important to know that the cyst or papilloma can be located deep in the throat, so you cannot see them. In such a situation, only a doctor can diagnose them. A properly performed examination will look like this: first, the specialist will conduct a visual examination, ask you in detail what your complaints are, and then perform an endoscopy. With the help of the device, he will be able to thoroughly examine the formation - where it is located, what is its size and type. Treatment is usually surgical. If the cyst is large, it is removed and cleaned by completely exfoliating. If it is small, there are two ways to treat it. One method is to "burn" it with the help of a laser, and the other - with cryotherapy.
Other formations
In addition to cysts and papillomas, other benign formations may appear in the throat to cause discomfort. Among them may be adenoid vegetations, otherwise called benign adenoid hyperplasia, Thornwald's disease.
