Healthy tonsils are small, rounded lumps at the back of the throat on each side, visible just above the tongue. They are part of a ring of lymphoid tissue in the back of the throat that includes the adenoids. The adenoids must be checked with an angled mirror since they lie between the back of the nose and the throat.
Swollen tonsils are easier to see, forming a reddish, oval mass. Occasionally they are large enough to actually touch in the middle. The severity and frequency of tonsillitis must be taken into account when considering a tonsillectomy. Massively enlarged tonsils and adenoids may obstruct the airway and cause sleep apnea and breathing difficulty during the daytime.
Sleep apnea can happen if something blocks the upper airway during sleep. As a result, some people stop breathing, start snoring or wake up gasping for breath. Long-term sleep apnea could lead to fatigue, restlessness, and even high blood pressure. If a doctor suspects the swollen tonsils can affect sleep and overall health, a tonsillectomy may help.
Certain viruses, like human papillomavirus HPV , can leave masses on the tonsils that may be cancerous. These masses can lead to similar symptoms related to tonsil infections. A biopsy helps to rule out the possibility of the throat or other cancers. For a doctor to complete the biopsy, a tonsillectomy happens first.
Adult tonsillectomies are similar to the procedure thousands of children have every year. The surgeon will perform the procedure under general anesthesia.
Learn about what foods are good to eat and what foods to avoid if you have a sore throat. Swallowing difficulty is the inability to swallow foods or liquids with ease. People who have a hard time swallowing may choke on their food or liquid…. It's common for children to have minor colds and growing pains, but some physical symptoms can be a sign of a more serious health condition. Adenoiditis is an infection in the throat. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect.
Tonsillectomy Medically reviewed by Suzanne Falck, M. Who needs a tonsillectomy? Preparing for a tonsillectomy. Tonsillectomy procedure. Risks during a tonsillectomy. Tonsillectomy recovery. Medically reviewed by Suzanne Falck, M. Read this next.
Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. What Causes White Spots on the Throat? Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M. Tonsillectomies to treat obstructive sleep apnea and other conditions not related to infections can improve outcomes when other treatment strategies have not been beneficial.
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Inflamed tonsils Tonsils are fleshy pads located at each side of the back of the throat. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Lalwani AK. Management of adenotonsillar disease.
McGraw Hill; Accessed Oct. Mitchell RB, et al. Clinical practice guideline: Tonsillectomy in children Update.
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