Jenn,
Being that a tonsilectomy is major surgery for an adult, I personally would want to know whether they need to be resected or treated with antibiotics (have you had antibiotic treatment with no response?). Enlarged lymph nodes are also a normal sign of infection.

Smoking does increase your risk factor. Many of us who have had tonsil cancer had radiation and chemo only and it just melted the tonsils away without any surgery (as in my case).

Mark & Brian have given you very sound advice. Take a deep breath and get an appointment with a comprehensive cancer center. When it comes to the possibility of oral cancer, I would rather find out there then the local ENT.

And, QUIT SMOKING!