A sore throat on one side that will not settle, or a lump in the neck, can be the first sign of tonsil cancer. It is a common type of throat cancer, and many cases are linked to HPV. The good news is that tonsil cancer, especially when HPV-related and caught early, responds very well to treatment. At THANC Hospital in Chennai, Dr. Vidhyadharan Sivakumar treats tonsil cancer with robotic surgery, radiotherapy and full multidisciplinary care. This page is part of our wider head and neck cancer care.
Understanding Tonsil Cancer
The tonsils sit at the sides of the throat. Tonsil cancer is a type of oropharyngeal cancer and is usually a squamous cell carcinoma. There are two main groups. HPV-related tonsil cancers are becoming more common, often affect younger non-smokers, and have a good outlook. Tobacco and alcohol cause the other group.
A frequent early sign of an HPV-related tonsil cancer is a painless lump in the neck, which is a lymph node containing cancer cells. This is why a neck lump should always be checked. You can read more in our guide on HPV and oropharyngeal cancer.
Symptoms
See a specialist if you notice:
- A sore throat on one side that does not settle
- A feeling of something stuck in the throat
- Pain when swallowing
- Ear pain on the same side, with a normal ear
- A lump in the neck
- One tonsil clearly larger than the other
Our guide explains when a neck lump is a concern.
What Causes Tonsil Cancer
There are two main causes. The first is HPV infection, which is now behind a large and rising share of tonsil cancers. HPV-related cancers often affect younger, non-smoking patients and tend to respond very well to treatment. The second is tobacco and alcohol, which damage the lining of the throat over time. People who both smoke and drink heavily are at the highest risk. Knowing which cause is involved helps guide treatment and gives a clearer idea of the outlook.
A tonsil cancer often stays small while it has already spread to a lymph node in the neck. This is why the first thing many patients notice is a painless lump in the neck rather than a problem in the throat.
Diagnosis at THANC Hospital
Dr. Vidhyadharan uses a clear pathway to confirm the cancer and plan treatment.
Examination and Biopsy
He examines the throat with a flexible scope and looks closely at both tonsils, since one tonsil being larger or firmer than the other can be a sign. A biopsy confirms the cancer, and the sample is tested for HPV, which affects both the outlook and the treatment choice.
Staging Scans
A CT, MRI or PET-CT scan shows the size of the cancer, whether it has spread to the neck nodes, and whether it has spread further. Accurate staging is what allows the team to choose between surgery, radiotherapy, or a combination. Every case is reviewed by a multidisciplinary tumour board before a plan is agreed.
How It Is Treated
Treatment depends on the stage and the HPV status. The aim is always to remove or destroy the cancer while protecting swallowing and speech as much as possible.
Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS)
TORS is well suited to tonsil cancer. Using the da Vinci robot, Dr. Vidhyadharan removes the cancer through the mouth, with no external cut on the neck or jaw, while protecting swallowing and speech. Recovery is faster than with open surgery. For many early tonsil cancers, TORS removes the cancer in one step and may avoid or reduce the need for radiotherapy. Learn how it works in our guides on TORS robotic throat cancer surgery and robotic surgery explained.
Radiotherapy and Chemoradiation
Radiotherapy, sometimes with chemotherapy, is a key option for tonsil cancer. It may be used on its own for some cancers, or after surgery for higher-risk ones. The choice depends on the stage and the final tissue result.
Neck Treatment
Because tonsil cancer often spreads to the neck nodes, the neck is usually treated as well, either with a neck dissection or with radiotherapy. Tonsil cancer is closely related to other throat cancers, covered on our oropharyngeal cancer page.
What to Expect
Before treatment. A scope examination, biopsy, HPV testing, staging scans and a tumour board review. Dr. Vidhyadharan explains the diagnosis, the plan and the likely recovery.
Treatment. TORS, radiotherapy or a combination, with neck treatment as needed.
After treatment. Follow-up checks the throat and neck, with support for swallowing and speech during recovery.
Outcomes
The outlook for tonsil cancer is generally good, and very good for HPV-related cancers caught early, many of which are cured. Stage at diagnosis and complete treatment are the main factors. Function-sparing approaches like TORS help patients keep good swallowing and speech, so quality of life after treatment is usually high. The key message is simple: a one-sided sore throat that does not settle, or a painless neck lump, should be checked without delay.
Why Choose Dr. Vidhyadharan at THANC Hospital
- India's first TORS-assisted total laryngectomy (2022).
- FICRS certification in robotic surgery, with fellowship training in Australia.
- MCh (Head & Neck Surgery) and European Board certification (FEB-ORL HNS).
- 3000+ head and neck operations, the volume linked to better outcomes.
- The da Vinci Xi robot and a full oncology team at THANC Hospital.
Treatment Cost and Insurance
The cost depends on the stage, the treatment, and the length of stay. Most major health insurers in India cover cancer treatment, including cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals. Eligible patients may also use government schemes such as Ayushman Bharat (AB-PMJAY) or the Tamil Nadu CMCHIS.
THANC Hospital gives a clear, itemised estimate during your consultation. To see Dr. Vidhyadharan Sivakumar, request an appointment online.
