Tonsils are located in the back of throat and are barely visible unless they are reddened or enlarged. In a child, if tonsils are enlarged in any way they can become noticeable through appearance or through irritation. There are several causes of large tonsils in kids. Generally, enlarged tonsils are no cause for concern, but prolonged enlargement may be an indication of a serious medical issue.
Significance
The tonsils are made up of lymphatic tissue that is designed to trap germs and bacteria that may enter through the mouth or nose. They are a "catch all" of things that can lead to illness or infection. Medline Plus explains that if your tonsils become infected, they can swell and become sore. This can be because of a throat infection, upper respiratory infection or illness in the mouth or throat.
Features
Tonsils fill up with pus and fluid and then inflame and enlarge. This is generally one of the first signs of infection. The tonsils may have a yellow, green or white coating, indicating possible infection. If your child has a severe sore throat, pain in the mouth or throat and has trouble swallowing, an exam by a medical doctor is required to make a precise diagnosis. Large tonsils may also be accompanied by other swollen lymph nodes in the neck, a fever and foul odor breath.
Considerations
A doctor may swab the throat and tonsils to test for strep. Strep throat is a type of sore throat that can lead to more complicated illnesses such as rheumatic fever and inflammation of the kidneys. Strep throat can produce enlarged tonsils, causing pain and discomfort. Some kids naturally have larger than normal tonsils and adenoids. These are usually identified in childhood as part of a routine medical exam or physical. They are generally harmless unless they begin to interfere with breathing or swallowing or become inflamed frequently.
Warning
In rare cases, large tonsils can be an indicator of cancer in children. This diagnosis can be made through a medical doctor or during a routine dental exam. Sometimes, one tonsil is larger than the other. If there is a vast irregularity between the two tonsils, a referral to an ear nose and throat doctor is recommended. If cancer of the tonsil or lymphoma is suspected, prompt treatment is necessary.
Solution
If large tonsils affect a child's quality of life or have the possibility of being cancerous, removal is recommended. In many cases, the adenoids, a cluster of tissues at the back of the nose connecting with the throat, are also removed; this is called an adenoidectomy. Merck explains that most tonsillectomies and adenoidectomies are performed in the hospital on an outpatient basis. The tonsils and sometimes surrounding tissues are sent to the laboratory for a complete pathology report. If the report indicates no problematic cell formation, no follow up treatment is necessary. If cancer is found or suspected, a referral to an oncologist is recommended.
