Hello,
I am new here, having found the site on 6/1/02 - wonderful and helpful information by the way. I'm 34 y/o F, married no kids. (well the dogs are my kids...) About 2 weeks ago I noticed a "thing" in the back of my mouth/throat area. I think it might be called the "tonsillar pillar" area but not sure. This "thing" is about the size of a green pea; it is a lump/bump that is visible and is sort of "pearly" in appearance. There are no others like it in my mouth (that I could find) - I hoped it was a normal thing but since there is only the one I am starting to worry. As I had had a sinus problem/allergies/sore throat at the time I first saw the lump, I did not think anything of it, but as I have recovered from that bout of symptoms (still have the allergies though, seasonal allergies had all my life) - the lump is still there. My throat itself is no longer sore, but I still have a cough (thought it was phlegm from the allergy draining) and find myself clearing my throat more than usual. But I figured the cough and "clearning" throat were linked to the allergy crud. I have *never* smoked in my life (OK, pot once in college) but never, ever cigarettes - I'm a social drinker, maybe 3-4x/month I'll have a couple. I have an appt. today with my GP doctor to take a peak at this "thing" but I am worried. Should I be concerned? Thanks for listening, sorry this was so long.
Michelle (Happy Dog)

HI again, Michelle here - I forgot to add in my original post that I do not have my tonsils; they were removed when I was about 10y/o, after frequent infections, etc. I also forgot to say that I know that I *do* have Ulcerative Colitis - do you think that one can have that kind of GI "ulcer" in the mouth? My next appt. with the GI doctors is 6/21. I eat as healthily as possible (no sugar, no processed foods, etc) due to the Colitis; I exercise 6x/week or so, but have family Hx of Colon Cancer. Didn't know if any of that info was pertinent to my original post. Thanks for listening.
Michelle (Happy Dog)

First the caveat. No one on the WEB, no matter how knowledgeable, can diagnose what it is that you have. Only a trained dentist or physician who directly looks at you, and possibly biopsy

HI again,
Thank you Brian for your informative and thoughtful response. I do realize that only a doctor (hopefully an excellent one!) can make a Dx - but I sure appreciate the knowledge and help found here. I did see my GP yesterday; while he is quite nice and personable, he is almost 70 y/o and took only a glance in my mouth and declared the lump to be "lymphoid tissue" in the "tonsillar fossa" and for me not to worry (no Bx was done). Well easier said than done b/c I have NOT had this lump my whole life and from what I understand about *many* cancers and Dx, you have to go with your own "gut" sometimes. I think I will take what Brian said under advisement, and if it is still there at the 4-week mark, I will get a 2nd opinion by a specialist. Thank you for listening!
Michelle (Happy Dog)