I have enlarged adenoids - I am age 47, female, with significant allergies, a history of severe ear infections and deformed eustachian tubes. I have a permanent tube in the left ear, and will probably have one placed in the right ear. An adenoidectomy has been recommended. However, all the literature I can find refers only to adenoidectomies in children, and indicate that normally adenoids get smaller with age. I would like to know what considerations there are for an adult in this situation.
Reply -----------------
It would be distinctly unusual and abnormal for an adult of 47 years to have enlarged adenoids. In individuals who have not had their adenoids surgically removed, the adenoid tissue will atrophy, usually in late teenage years to the point where only minor barely visible remnants persist into adulthood. In adults who have signficantly enlarged adenoids, one needs to initially rule out the possibility of serious health problems such as immunological problems or neoplasm.
Even in the absence of associated ear problems, the presence of significant adenoid enlargement, particularly if associated with some degree of nasal airflow blockage, would warrant at the very least a biopsy of the tissue. It might also be advisable to consider a CT scan of the area and possibly an immunological workup. As an aside, signficantly enlarged adenoids or any mass in the naso-pharynx would commonly be associated with some degree of ear symptoms.
--
Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
Click here to review
previous Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic consultations