Tonsil cancer is also called Pharyngeal Cancer. This cancer develops in the part of the throat just behind the mouth. Initially the symptoms are seen in the local region, but as it spreads the symptoms might be seen in other areas too.

The tonsil cancer symptoms are as follows:

1. There is a sore throat which does not heal. It is flat, raised and is usually hard. It grows slowly. There might be hoarseness in the throat.
2. Local Pain: develops as the tumor grows and spreads to the surrounding areas especially when it affects the nerves. It may also cause pain in the ears as the nerve of the throat and the ears are same.
3. Difficulty in chewing, speaking or swallowing: This tonsil cancer symptom is caused as the tumor advances. A side of the face or neck swells up. Even dentures might not fit properly. Blockage in a duct of the salivary gland causes swelling. The person might also lose his weight. The tonsil might appear larger on one side. There is a sensation of mass like presence in the neck.
4. Swelling in the neck: The neck swells as the lymph nodes get infected. The swelling is usually painless, firm and persistent. Voice too deepens.
5. Nerve Syndromes: If the lymph nodes are affected by the cancer, then the nerves of the face becomes enlarged and pressed. Finally the nerves fail. It becomes difficult to move face, jaws and eyes. Also it is troublesome swallowing and moving the tongue and the neck. This further worsens if left untreated.
6. Distant spread symptoms: these symptoms do not occur until the cancer has spread to distant areas and the other parts of the body like, lungs, liver, bones and the brain. In addition, a person may also have cough, fever or headache, feel sick and tired. If the tonsils become large then pus might develop which might look like white spots.

Tonsil Cancer symptoms when different parts of the face are affected are:
1. Neck: Symptoms of Tonsil cancer affecting the neck are as follows: The neck swells and there might a lump in the neck. Constant pain in the neck might occur even though the lump might not be present.
2. Mouth: A sore develops at the back of the mouth of a person suffering from this cancer. This sore does not heal. Other tonsil cancer symptoms of the mouth are difficult chew or eat, foul smell from the mouth and trouble while speaking. Some people might also see blood in their saliva. There is also a loss of taste.
3. Throat: Throat ulcers or sore throat are the most common tonsil cancer symptoms. Pain could also be experienced while swallowing.
4. Ears: There might be a severe pain in the ear along with ringing in the ears. Hearing difficulty is another important tonsil cancer symptom of the ear.
Several other symptoms include citrus intolerance, which means that when a person consumes citric fruits like oranges, grapefruits etc, he might develop this condition that is he cannot tolerate eating or drinking citrus fruits.