Dear Doctor, I had my tonsils taken out when I was in Kindergarten and am
now 34 years old. Quite a few years ago I had discovered my right tonsil
has grown back and has given me quite a few problems the past few years.
These past few months I have gotten extremely ill, sore throat, ear, neck
cheek/face, high fever, and am very week and tired once I am over the worst
part for a couple of weeks after. This last bout I had, the doctor said I
need to get it taken out. First of all, do you see this usually helps the
problem? Secondly, is getting extremely fatigued common with tonsilitis.
ANd thirdly, is it very common to have a tonsil grow back, and does it
usually give the person trouble? Never wrote, hope this gets to you.
Thank you.
Reply: -------------------------
Usually the reappearance of lymphoid tissue in the area of the faucial tonsils that occurs sometime after removal of the tonsils has in general 2 possible causes: 1) The entire tonsil was not removed during the original surgery or, more likely, 2) lymphoid tissue originating in the base of the tongue known as the lingual tonsil has enlarged or become hyperplastic and gives the appearance that the previously removed faucial tonsil has "regrown".
Such lymphoid tissue can become colonized with bacteria or tend to accumulate partially digested food debris and therefore cause chronic upper respiratory illness such as you have described. If medical therapy is unsuccessful in controlling or eliminating the symptoms, surgical removal of the lymphoid tissue might be recommended.
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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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