Question 1

should all children have their tonsils removed?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not: Unless the child has frequent throat infections, a complication such as a tonsillar abcess, or sleep apnea caused by enlarge tonsils, there is no reason to put the child at surgical risk.

Question 2

whats the best age to remove tonsils in children?

Accepted Answer

When necessary: There is no automatic age for tonsil removal & it is best not to remove them if it can be avoided. Toddlers or children with sleep apnea, or  children with chronic recurrent tonsillitis at any age may benefit from removal. Kids with one episode of a tonsilar abscess also benefit from excision. Symptom progression and exam findings individualize timing for each case.

Question 3

i have one tonsil that has stayed enlarged for almost a year now. it was not always asymmetrical with the other, and is significantly larger. no pain.

Accepted Answer

Common &amp; Concerning: Having a swollen tonsil is common. However, it's also concerning, especially since it hasn't returned to its original size. It could be infected, or growing a cyst or tumor. You should get that checked by an ENT or oral surgeon before it becomes something serious. Even if it doesn't hurt, it could be a real problem. Any oral condition which lasts more than 2 weeks could be dangerous. Get checked.

Question 4

what can cause  asymmetry of the lingual tonsil?

Accepted Answer

Many things: The cause of the asymmetry of the lingual tonsils can be best determined after several questions are considered such as the presence of pain and if so, the duration. Do you have any allergies. Is this something that you have recently noticed and if so have any other changes have presented.  It would be best for you to visit  your dentist or an oral maxillofacial surgeon for a visual evaluation.

Question 5

hi. it looks like there is a deeper crater in the top of my left tonsil. they are inflamed with tonsil stones but my biggest concern is the asymmetry.

Accepted Answer

Tonsil problem: Tonsoliths (stones in your tonsils) are common among the young with swollen, irregular tonsil tissue.  Asymmetry is not unusual, and perhaps due to the size of these stones.  Gargling, Q-tip/finger manipulation, or irrigation can dislodge larger stones, but only time or tonsillectomy will ultimately resolve them in my experience.  These are not usually infectious, but if painful should be checked.

Question 6

if asymmetrical tonsils are normal why when you google it you always come up as cancer? my one tonsil is 5x bigger than other. been this way for years

Accepted Answer

May be normal : If it has been the same for years probably a normal variant.  If there is a concern then make an appointment with an ENT physician.  Hope this helps.

Question 7

how do doctors treat enlarged tonsils in children?

Accepted Answer

Depends: It depends on why the tonsils are enlarged, and how the child is being affected. A lot of children have large tonsils when compared to adults, and nothing needs to be done. If the child is having sleep apnea and snoring, then the tonsils may need to be removed.  If the tonsils are temporarily enlarged secondary to a viral or bacterial illness, then medical treatment maybe needed.

Question 8

i have asymmetrical tonsils. ent said the larger one can b removed but i opted out. is there any way to help it to not get bigger? left 2+ right 3+.

Accepted Answer

Good question: In my experience, asymmetrical tonsils usually are not diagnostic of anything serious.  However, some ENT doctors are worried about serious diseases such as leukemia or lymphoma.  The advice of taking out 1 tonsil is not logical to me because the other tonsil could have a similar disease.  If you are not having severe sore throats and are not obstructed, i would not recommend any surgery.

Question 9

have asymmetric tonsils i can only see 1 tonsil(which has bumps all over it)  the 2 tonsil is hard to see i can only see red line(vein) on it.

Accepted Answer

See an ENT: Asymmetric tonsils may just be that one is infected or enlarged worse than the other. Or it might mean something is growing in it. You should see an ent.

Question 10

what is a hyperechoic tonsil.?  i have had this asymetrical tonsil for many yrs and i just read that one ent called it hyperechoic.  what does this me

Accepted Answer

Hyperechoic tonsil: Hyperechoic is terminology used by ultrasonographers to illustrate increased or abnormal density of tissues.  In your case, the tonsil.  If you have had this for years and it has not changed or you have not had any symptoms, you should be ok, but advised to keep track of it.  If you do have symptoms like recurrent throat infections or pain and fevers, you should have it removed via ENT.

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Doctor answers about:

Asymmetric tonsils in children

A member asked:

Should all children have their tonsils removed?

A member asked:

Whats the best age to remove tonsils in children?

A member asked:

I have one tonsil that has stayed enlarged for almost a year now. it was not always asymmetrical with the other, and is significantly larger. no pain.

A member asked:

What can cause asymmetry of the lingual tonsil?

A member asked:

Hi. it looks like there is a deeper crater in the top of my left tonsil. they are inflamed with tonsil stones but my biggest concern is the asymmetry.

A member asked:

If asymmetrical tonsils are normal why when you google it you always come up as cancer? my one tonsil is 5x bigger than other. been this way for years

A member asked:

How do doctors treat enlarged tonsils in children?

A member asked:

I have asymmetrical tonsils. ent said the larger one can b removed but i opted out. is there any way to help it to not get bigger? left 2+ right 3+.

A member asked:

Have asymmetric tonsils i can only see 1 tonsil(which has bumps all over it) the 2 tonsil is hard to see i can only see red line(vein) on it.

A member asked:

What is a hyperechoic tonsil.? i have had this asymetrical tonsil for many yrs and i just read that one ent called it hyperechoic. what does this me

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