Differential Diagnosis for Swelling of Anterior Tonsilar Pillar
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Peritonsillar abscess: This is the most common cause of swelling in the anterior tonsillar pillar, typically resulting from a complication of tonsillitis where the infection spreads to the tissues surrounding the tonsils.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Tonsillitis: Inflammation of the tonsils themselves can cause swelling that may involve the anterior tonsillar pillar.
- Quinsy: Although similar to peritonsillar abscess, quinsy refers to a more severe, spreading infection that can involve the pillar.
- Reactive lymphadenopathy: Enlargement of lymph nodes in response to infection or inflammation in the head and neck region can sometimes be mistaken for swelling of the anterior tonsillar pillar.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Malignancy (e.g., squamous cell carcinoma): Although rare, cancer can present with swelling in this area and is critical to diagnose early for effective treatment.
- Lemierre's syndrome: A rare but serious condition involving a bacterial infection of the tonsils that spreads to the jugular vein, causing thrombophlebitis.
- Angioedema: A potentially life-threatening condition that can cause rapid swelling of the tissues, including those in the throat, which may involve the anterior tonsillar pillar.
- Rare diagnoses
- Kaposi's sarcoma: A type of cancer that can cause lesions in the mouth, including the tonsillar area, more commonly seen in immunocompromised patients.
- Tuberculosis: Can cause chronic infection and swelling in various parts of the body, including the tonsils and surrounding tissues.
- Sarcoidosis: A condition that can cause inflammation and swelling in various parts of the body, including the lymph nodes and potentially the tonsillar area.