Cancer Research UK logo.
SearchDonate
  • Search

Head and neck cancer

Tonsil cancer

Tonsil cancer develops in the part of the throat just behind your mouth, called the oropharynx. It’s a type of head and neck cancer. Treatments can include surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

What is tonsil cancer?

Get information on what tonsil cancer is and what the risk factors for this type of cancer are.

Treating tonsil cancer

The main treatments for tonsil cancer are surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Your treatment depends on how far your cancer has grown and whether it has spread.

Last reviewed: 10 Feb 2025

Next review due: 10 Feb 2028

The Dangoor Education logo.

Dangoor Education

About Cancer generously supported by Dangoor Education since 2010. Learn more about Dangoor Education

Patient Information Forum. Trusted Information Creator.
Plain English Campaign award.

Help and Support

An icon of a hand shake.

Find a Clinical Trial

Search our clinical trials database for all cancer trials and studies recruiting in the UK.

An icon of two speech bubbles, indicating a conversation.

Cancer Chat forum

Meet and chat to other cancer people affected by cancer.

An icon of a landline phone.

Nurse helpline

Questions about cancer? Call freephone 0808 800 40 40 from 9 to 5 - Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can email us.