My brother has been sick for the past six months with what seems to be tonsilitis. He gets a 104 degree fever with extreme sore throat and is hospitalized for weeks at a time. Doctors can't seem to be able to find the problem. What is odd is that he had his tonsils removed about 14 years ago. Do tonsils regrow or would there be another problem. I value your opinion. Nobody else seems to have one.
Thank You,
Reply: --------------------
Most likely you are describing what is known as lymphoid hyperplasia which has occured because of prolonged or recurrent upper respiratory infections. Lymphoid hyperplasia from the base of the tongue can occur over a period of time in some individuals who have previously had their tonsils removed to a degree whereby it appears that the tonsils have "regrown". Lymphoid tissue makes up the tonsils and adenoids, but is also present throughout the throat. Lymphoid tissue is also found in lymph glands in the neck and elsewhere in the body. Lymphoid tissue is part of the body's immune system responsible for managing and eradicating infection. When infection is present, lymphoid tissue typically swells. For example, lymph nodes in the neck become "swollen glands". Lymphoid tissue in the throat similarly can swell. Prolonged or recurrent infections will occasionally result in persistent swelling of this tissue. It is important to note that in many situations especially in adults, such lymphoid hyperplasia is the result, not necessarily the cause of prolonged or recurrent infections. In young children persistent lymphoid hyperplasia without active infection may cause obstructive symptoms and therefore warrant consideration of tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy.
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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.
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