I have a small growth on the left side of my uvula. It feels like there is a hair stuck in my throat. What could this be? I noticed it about four months ago.

C.C.

Here are three possibilities regarding the growth on your uvula (the little "punching bag" in the back of your throat):

1. It could be a wart. Depending on the appearance, oral warts have a variety of names (papilloma, condyloma acuminatum or verruca vulgaris), but all are caused by the human papillomavirus. Treatment requires surgical removal, and recurrence is not uncommon. One important consideration is that a particular cancer (verrucous carcinoma) can look very much like a wart. Biopsy of part or all of the growth is important if a doctor suspects a verrucous carcinoma.
   
2. It could be a yeast infection known as thrush (oral candidiasis). On several occasions, I have seen thrush limited to the uvula, where the infected material forms a sort of extra skin or "sleeve" over the uvula. Treatment requires the use of appropriate antifungal medications.
   
3. The final possibility is that it could be a cancer other than a verrucous carcinoma. If you use tobacco and drink alcohol, then you are at risk for oral-cavity cancers. If you do not use alcohol or tobacco, cancer is much less likely, but it is still a possibility.
   

You should see an ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon. ENTs have the experience to look at your uvula and determine whether a biopsy is necessary. They also have the technical ability to biopsy the growth or remove it entirely. Although it is unlikely that the growth is cancerous, I would not waste any time finding appropriate care.