The tonsils, located at the back of the throat, are part of the human body's lymphatic system. According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, tonsils trap germs entering the body through the nose and mouth, helping the body to fight infection by testing these germs to see if they are harmful. A number of things can go wrong with the tonsils, including the formation of tonsil stones, tonsillar cellulitis and tonsil cancer.
Tonsil Stones
Tonsil stones, also called tonsilliths, occur when bacteria, dead cells and mucus get trapped in crevices located on the tonsils. This trapped material may harden into small white or yellow colored, stone-like features. According to the quarterly newsletter from the Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology at
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia published in winter 2010, sufferers can sometimes scrape out, cough up or dislodge these stones, which can cause bad breath. Aside from halitosis, tonsilliths may create an uncomfortable feeling in the throat, but otherwise cause no other symptoms. Medical treatment usually involves removal of the tonsils.
Tonsillar Cellulitis
Tonsillar cellulitis, a bacterial infection of the tissues surrounding the tonsils, is usually caused by a throat infection of streptococci and staphylococci, according to The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. Untreated bacteria growth may result in tonsillar abscesses, a collection of pus on the tonsils, which is common in young adults. This condition causes radiating pain during swallowing and presents with redness and swelling of the tonsil and above the tonsil. Physicians often prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection, although abscesses may require drainage of the pus.
Tonsil Cancer
The MayoClinic.com reveals tonsil cancer as the most common cancer of the oropharynx area. Alcoholism and heavy smoking increases the risk of developing tonsil cancer. This type of cancer includes symptoms like coughing, hoarseness, swallowing problems, ear pain, sore throat or a lump that doesn't go away. Treatment for tonsil cancer usually utilizes radiation and chemotherapy, but surgery to remove the tonsils or part of the throat proves effective, as well.
