Small bumps on the tonsillar pillar may be caused by papilloma, polyps, or malignant tumors. If asymptomatic, regular follow-up is sufficient. If symptoms are present or the bumps affect eating, surgical removal is usually necessary. Here are the possible causes:

1. Papilloma

Papilloma is mainly caused by human papillomavirus infection. It appears as irregular, granular, and non-smooth bumps that can be pedunculated or sessile and grow on the tonsillar pillar. They are usually asymptomatic and not prone to ulceration. Sometimes, they are only discovered during routine physical examinations. If the papilloma grows significantly, patients may experience a fixed sensation of foreign body in the throat when eating or drinking. In such cases, regular follow-up is sufficient if asymptomatic, but surgical removal is usually necessary if it affects eating.

2. Polyps

Polyps may be related to chronic pharyngitis, which stimulates local inflammatory edema and hyperplasia. They usually have a smooth surface and can be sessile. If ruptured, they may bleed easily. Surgical removal is generally recommended for the treatment of polyps, and pathological examination is performed postoperatively to determine the nature of the lesion. Malignant polyps on the tonsillar pillar are rare.

3. Malignant Tumors

Small bumps on the tonsillar pillar may also be caused by malignant tumors. In such cases, timely pathological examination is necessary, and surgical intervention may be required in the early stages under the guidance of a doctor.

All of the above reasons may lead to the development of small bumps on the tonsillar pillar. It is important to seek medical attention promptly and cooperate with the doctor's targeted treatment plan.