The tonsils are two masses of lymphoid tissue located in the throat. Lymphocytes make up the lymphoid tissue. These specialized cells are involved in the production of antibodies, which fight disease. There are often problems with the tonsils that necessitate treatment and, in some cases, surgical removal. The benefits of keeping your tonsils, or making a decision regarding your child's, should be carefully weighed against the liabilities of leaving them intact.
Features
Tonsils are generally pink in color. They exist as two small clumps, one on each side of the throat. The tonsils are help in place by a "pocket" located beside the palate. The bottom edge of the tonsils lies beside the back part of the tongue. Close by the tonsils are the uvula, which hangs down from the roof of the mouth, and the adenoids, which are high in the throat. Adenoids are sometimes removed along with the tonsils when recurrent problems occur.
Function
The function of tonsils is to fight infection. According to Texas Pediatric Surgical Associates, the effectiveness of the tonsils in combating germs is questionable. It is theorized that the tonsils, along with the adenoids, developed during a time in which people did not come into contact with the multitude of bacteria and viruses that are encountered in today's urban societies. Also, tonsils are believed to be better at fighting particular infections, such as those caused by parasites, which are uncommon in developed countries. Texas Pediatric Surgical Associates contends that in many cases the tonsils have become dysfunctional.
Issues
Unfortunately for many people, the tonsils can pose a myriad of problems. The tonsils are sometimes too large, resulting in breathing difficulties, speech issues and trouble swallowing. Enlarged tonsils can contribute to sleep apnea in a mild to severe form. Another common issue with tonsils is recurrent sore throats. Repeated cases of tonsillitis occur frequently in some children and a few adult patients. Causes of sore throats include streptococcus A infection, impacted crypts (pits or pockets in the tonsils) and, rarely, tumors. While some cases of sore throats can be treated effectively with antibiotics, some cannot. A physician will sometimes recommend surgical removal of the tonsils if a patient suffers from frequent bouts of tonsillitis.
Surgical Removal
Tonsillectomies have been performed for thousands of years. The removal of tonsils is generally a minor operation that is performed in a doctor's office or a clinic. The surgery is most often done on young children. The operation has traditionally been executed by use of a scalpel or electrocautery, but recently lasers have also been employed. The patient is likely to experience a severe sore throat following surgery but is generally well after 2 weeks.
Surgical Complications
Tonsillectomies have the same risks posed by most surgical procedures, including complications with anesthesia and the possibility of excessive bleeding and infection developing at the surgical site. While severe problems do happen they are rare. Occasionally, excessive bleeding occurs around a week following the surgery because of the eschar (scab) falling off. Infection can occur in the area from which the tonsils were removed because of the great influx of bacteria that occurs in the newly opened area, but these infections are generally mild and easily cured.
