Swollen tongue, vomiting, lymphoid hyperplasia, difficulty swallowing. Done biopsy. Is it cancer?
Patient: I have had a swollen tongue on the rt side only for 8 months and ct showed enlargement on the rt side so I had a biopsy of the basevof my tongue.  It showed reactive lymphoid hyperplasia. Two months later my tongue feels larger and im having real difficulties getting food caught in my throat to the point of coughing for hours and even vomiting while trying to get food dislodged. My Dr is not concerned about a dx as long as its not cancer. After getting the path report today I googled this hyperplasia and saw several instances of cases similar to mine. Why didnt my Dr know about this pseudolymphoma and explain to me thats what I had instead of saying he had no idea what was wrong?  He was ready to refer me to Mayo Clinic!  Anyway, could I need possible surgery to remove the tissue thats catching food? Internet says sometimes its necessary for symptom management but now I dont really trust my Dr so I dont want to "bother" him with more concerns. I just know I cant live like this. Im now avoiding solid food. Who should I consult and is it possible that I may need surgery? Doctor: Hi! welcome to HCM! reactive lymphoid hyperplasia of tongue is an uncommon entity.lesion behaves in benign manner .The term pseudolymphoma is unfortunate because it has word lymphoma in it though lesion is not malignant. since your biopsy has been done and it has shown no malignant cells and just reactive lymphoid cells so you can be assured its not lymphoma just benign proliferation of lymphoid cells. you can consult an ENT/surgeon and let him examine and if required treat it surgically. hope this will help you. take care!