Tonsil cancer is a type of head and neck cancer that occurs when abnormal cells in the tonsils grow out of control, forming tumors or lesions. The main risk factors for tonsil cancer are smoking, drinking alcohol, and infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) . HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection that is detected in most tonsil cancers in the United States. Tonsil cancer caused by HPV tends to occur at a younger age and is more likely to be diagnosed early. Smoking and drinking heavily increase the risk of developing tonsil cancer, and quitting smoking and reducing excessive drinking may help decrease the risk.

Experts know that tonsil cancer develops when healthy cells undergo DNA mutations, but they are not exactly sure what causes this process to begin with. The changes tell the cells to grow out of control and to continue living when healthy cells would normally die, forming a tumor that can grow beyond the tonsils and spread to other areas of the body.

Symptoms of tonsil cancer include difficulty swallowing, a sensation that something is caught in the back of your throat, swelling and pain in the neck, earache, and jaw stiffness. A painless neck lump and a sore throat are also common symptoms. If you experience any persistent signs and symptoms that worry you, make an appointment with your doctor or dentist.

Treatments for tonsil cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.