Differential Diagnosis for Progressive Right Sided Deep Throat Pain with Tongue Radiation
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Acute tonsillitis or peritonsillar abscess: This is a common condition that can cause severe throat pain, often unilateral, and can radiate to the tongue due to the shared innervation of the glossopharyngeal nerve.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Dental abscess or infection: Infections of the teeth or gums can cause referred pain to the throat and tongue.
- Eagle syndrome (elongated styloid process): This condition can cause sharp, stabbing pain in the throat that radiates to the ear and tongue.
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder: TMJ disorders can cause pain that radiates to the throat and tongue.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Oropharyngeal cancer: Although less common, oropharyngeal cancer can present with progressive throat pain and should not be missed due to its severe prognosis if left untreated.
- Lemierre's syndrome (jugular vein septic thrombophlebitis): This rare but life-threatening condition can cause severe throat pain and should be considered in cases of progressive pain with fever and other systemic symptoms.
- Carotid artery dissection: This is a medical emergency that can cause severe pain on one side of the throat and face.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Glossopharyngeal neuralgia: A rare condition characterized by sharp, stabbing pain in the throat and tongue, often triggered by swallowing.
- Thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid gland can cause throat pain that may radiate to the tongue.
- Esophageal spasm or esophagitis: These conditions can cause chest pain that may radiate to the throat and tongue.