From the Research
No, you cannot feel a Stensen duct stone behind the tonsil. Stensen's duct (also called the parotid duct) opens into the mouth near the upper second molar, not behind the tonsil 1. Salivary stones that form in this duct would be felt in the cheek area or where the duct opens in the upper part of the mouth. If you're feeling something behind your tonsil, it could be a different issue such as a tonsil stone (tonsillolith), lymphoid tissue, or another type of growth. Tonsil stones are more common and form in the crevices of the tonsils themselves, appearing as white or yellowish deposits that can sometimes be felt.
The location and treatment of Stensen's duct stones have been studied in various research papers, including a study published in 2021 that discussed open approaches to Stensen duct scar 1. Another study published in 2016 discussed the transoral Stensen's duct approach, which is a minimally invasive technique used to treat parotid gland duct lithiasis 2. However, these studies do not support the idea that a Stensen duct stone can be felt behind the tonsil.
Some key points to consider include:
- Stensen's duct opens into the mouth near the upper second molar, not behind the tonsil
- Salivary stones that form in this duct would be felt in the cheek area or where the duct opens in the upper part of the mouth
- If you're feeling something behind your tonsil, it could be a different issue such as a tonsil stone (tonsillolith), lymphoid tissue, or another type of growth
- Tonsil stones are more common and form in the crevices of the tonsils themselves, appearing as white or yellowish deposits that can sometimes be felt
If you're experiencing discomfort or can feel something unusual behind your tonsil, it's best to consult with a healthcare provider for proper examination and diagnosis, as self-diagnosis of structures in the throat can be difficult and potentially misleading 3.