If you have had your tonsils removed, is it possible for them to grow back? Surprisingly, yes. This may be disappointing to people suffering from frequent throat infections after they already had a tonsillectomy. The good news is, it’s rare.
“I have seen this happen,” said SSM Health otolaryngologist (ENT) Dr. Matthew Pogodzinski. “It’s not common, but when it does happen, the tonsils do not usually become as large their original size or cause the same symptoms.”
Dr. Pogodzinski says tonsil tissue can regenerate if a small amount of tonsil tissue is left behind. This is a common surgical technique to reduce complications.
“A surgeon may intentionally leave a bit of tonsil tissue to reduce pain and the risk of bleeding. Typically, it’s clinically as effective as removing all the tissue while causing less discomfort,” Dr. Pogodzinski explained.
When there is regrowth, Dr. Pogodzinski says you can have some of the same problems that led to a tonsillectomy in the first place.
“But we end up having to remove the regrowth in less than five percent of cases where this happens,” he noted.
What do tonsils do?
The tonsils are two oval-shaped pads at the back of each side of your throat. They’re part of the body’s immune system and help us fight infection by catching germs that enter through the mouth and nose. Tonsils are removed when a patient experiences recurrent infections or the tonsils are too large and cause problems with breathing or swallowing.
What are the symptoms of tonsillitis?
The symptoms of tonsillitis include:
- Sore throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Cough
- Fever
- Ear pain
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
Severe symptoms include:
- White, pus-filled spots on the tonsils
- Swollen neck glands that feel like lumps
- Bad breath
“People may not even notice that their tonsils have grown back unless they look in the back of their mouth or experience tonsillitis symptoms again,” Dr. Pogodzinski said.
If you are one of the rare cases, schedule an appointment with a provider who can help you get back on the road to recovery.
