Are there bumps on the back of your throat

Mucus is produced by glands in your nose and throat. It helps to moisten dry air, clean your nasal passages, trap harmful pathogens, and prevent foreign materials from being inhaled. However, some conditions can increase mucus production or make your mucus thicker. Postnasal drip happens when this extra mucus accumulates in the back of your throat, where it can cause irritation and cobblestoning in the throat. For causes related to allergies or infections, over-the-counter decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine Sudafed , can help to break up extra mucus.

Antihistamines can also help. Just make sure to go for a non-sedating option, such as loratadine Claritin. Traditional antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine Benadryl can actually make postnasal drip symptoms worse. Your doctor may also suggest using a steroid nasal spray. You can shop for steroid nasal spray on Amazon. Throat cancer is a condition that is characterized by the development of malignant tumors in the throat pharynx , voice box larynx or tonsils. In most cases, throat cancer originates in the flat cells that line the inside of the throat, a muscular tube that extends from the nose to the bottom of the neck.

The symptoms of throat cancer can vary based on its specific location. Sometimes, it can cause a palpable lump to form in the neck, although this symptom is not always present. These lumps are actually lymph nodes that have become temporarily enlarged as they fight off infection. After the infection clears, the lymph nodes return to their normal size and the lumps go away. On the other hand, a lump that occurs without an infection or persists long after an infection resolves may be a sign of throat cancer.

Scarlet fever most often occurs in children or adults who are in contact with children. Bacteria called group A strep causes this condition, and your doctor will usually prescribe antibiotics to help get rid of the bacteria. Oral squamous papilloma. This is a benign mass that appears on the border of the tongue. They are often attributed to the human papillomavirus HPV.

According to a study in the International Journal of Scientific Reports , the best way to remove them is through surgery. Tongue cancer. Rarely, bumps on the tongue can be an indication of oral cancer. However, according to Cedars-Sinai , the lump is most likely to appear on the side of the tongue that touches the teeth.

But the lump can appear on any portion of the tongue, and lumps on the base of the tongue are often hard to diagnose until they become larger. Early detection is critical here, so you must make an appointment with your doctor if you notice a lump of any size on your tongue.

The lump will need to be biopsied, and your doctor will likely refer you to an oncologist. Your doctor or dentist can help you feel comfortable again in no time!

This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. These bumps may appear white or red and cause pain or bleeding while eating or swallowing. For diagnosis, the bumps may need to be biopsied and a referral to an oncologist might be necessary. The mouth is a window into the health of the body.

It can show signs — including bumps on the back of the tongue — that can indicate other health conditions. If you notice bumps that are abnormally large, spread to other parts of the mouth or last for several weeks, contact your dentist or medical professional for an evaluation. Our Mission. Submit an Idea. Contact Us. South Africa ZA English. Brand Logo. All rights reserved. Terms Of Use. Privacy Policy.