Lump in Throat With H/O Coccidiomycosis

Q: I am a 49 year old woman who has valley fever, that is coccidiomycosis. It has been in remission for 2 years. Last year while on vacation I got very sick and was put into hospital for a week. There I had many tests done, including an endoscopy. They found some lumps and did a biopsy that showed abnormal cells. They suggested that I return home and have a biopsy in about a month. I got better and  did not follow up.

Two months ago, I felt a small lump when I was trying to swallow. It felt as if you get a piece of popcorn stuck on your throat. I reached back and touched it and so it popped. It has returned 5-6 times in the last 4 months. Should I be concerned? I feel fine and had my usual titer tests for the valley fever which all came back negative. I am just a little worried and don’t want to go back to the doctor. I already had to it so many times since contracting the valley fever. I would appreciate any advice. Thank You.
– By Tina

Reply :

I need some more information from your side before I comment anything.

Let me know the full reports of your endoscopy and the subsequent biopsy taken. I need to know the following details:

• The exact location of the lump from which biopsy was taken.
• How big the lump was?
• Biopsy report- What was the histopathological nature of those abnormal cells detected ?

Also tell me the following-

• Is your lump painful?
• Any pain while swallowing/ eating solid food?
• Any other associated symptom?

You see, your lump may or may not be a manifestation of valley fever. It may be something else. We need to evaluate further.

Take Care,

Buddy M.D.