Tonsil cancer

Overview

Tonsil cancer is a form of throat cancer (oropharyngeal cancer) that affects the tonsils, which are located at the back of your throat. The majority of tonsil cancers are linked with exposure to the human papillomavirus (HPV). Alcohol and tobacco use also are major risk factors for the development of tonsil cancer. Tonsil cancer affects more men than women.

Throat cancer, including tonsil cancer, may cause varied symptoms, such as a persistent sore throat, trouble swallowing, or a lump in your throat or neck.

Why choose Mayo Clinic for tonsil cancer

• Expertise and teamwork. Mayo's experienced specialists offer thorough and advanced treatment of tonsil cancer. Your care will be directed by ear, nose and throat (ENT) experts specializing in head and neck cancers who coordinate your multispecialty team. Team members may include experts in radiation oncology, medical oncology, plastic and reconstructive surgery, rehabilitation therapies, and other specialties as needed.
• Latest treatments, including minimally invasive techniques. Mayo Clinic is one of the few medical centers in the U.S. with extensive experience in treating tonsil cancer with minimally invasive transoral robotic surgery. This type of surgery results in fewer adverse side effects and better quality of life compared with standard surgical approaches. Mayo radiation oncologists use the latest technologies, including intensity-modulated radiation therapy, which improve targeting of tumors and minimize radiation given to nearby normal structures.
• Comprehensive cancer center. Mayo Clinic Cancer Center meets strict standards for a National Cancer Institute comprehensive cancer center, recognizing scientific excellence and a multispecialty approach focused on cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Clinical trials may be available to provide you with the opportunity to receive treatment using new techniques.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., is ranked among the Best Hospitals for ear, nose and throat by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., is ranked high performing for ear, nose and throat by U.S. News & World Report.

Mayo Clinic: Answers you can trust

At Mayo Clinic, we assemble a team of specialists who take the time to listen and thoroughly understand your health issues and concerns. We tailor the care you receive to your personal health care needs. You can trust our specialists to collaborate and offer you the best possible outcomes, safety and service.

Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit medical institution that reinvests all earnings into improving medical practice, research and education. We're constantly involved in innovation and medical research, finding solutions to improve your care and quality of life. Your doctor or someone on your medical team is likely involved in research related to your condition.

Our patients tell us that the quality of their interactions, our attention to detail and the efficiency of their visits mean health care — and trusted answers — like they've never experienced.

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Learn about throat cancer.