When lymphadenopathy is present, multiple enlarged lymph nodes commonly are observed on 1 side of the neck. Lymphoepithelioma is a term used to describe an undifferentiated carcinoma. Sarcomas, salivary gland malignancies, and adenocarcinomas are very rare tonsil malignancies. The diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for these tumors are similar to those used for squamous cell carcinoma. Patients with lymphoma of the tonsil are referred to medical oncology for staging.
Radiation frequently is used to treat cancer of the tonsil primarily.
Squamous cell carcinoma is believed to be more radiosensitive when it occurs in the tonsil than when it is found in other head and neck sites. This fact is especially true if the cancer is poorly differentiated or if lymphoepithelioma is present. The cervical lymph nodes also need to be addressed. The survival rates for surgery have been shown to be the same or better than primary radiation. Surgery followed by radiation is the standard treatment for squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil.