Case

A 23yo male patient reports a recent frequent painless ‘tickling’ feeling at their throat and you detect some breath odor upon history taking with the patient. They report feeling well, eating normally, and their temperature is 98.1F 

Question 2/2 - What would you do initially?

Click on your selected option(s) below  (correct = 1, over-thinking = 2+)

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Incorrect. While this would be appropriate for testing the presence of a tumor or tonsilloliths should other examinations be negative, it would not be the first action you would take in this case. Tonsilloliths are usually calcified and can be detected by CT.

Incorrect. While this would be appropriate should other examinations be negative, it would not be the first action you would take in this case. Tonsilloliths are usually calcified and can be detected by x-ray.

Correct! This will determine immediately if there are typical tosilloliths present, which can be seen as small calcified masses at the crypt entrances to the palatine tonsils.

It is not always definitive, so a negative examination could lead to other imaging approaches.

Incorrect. As an initial action removal of the tonsils would not be the first set of actions to take. Indeed, criteria for removal of the tonsils are stricter than in the past and tonsils are not removed unless repetitive infections past a certain rate or dysphagia is present.

Incorrect. A dental practitioner referral might be warranted in some conditions, this would not be appropriate for a patient seeing you for a potential throat condition.