What are the symptoms of tonsillitis and when should my doctor remove my tonsils?

Pain and obstruction: If serious disease such as lymphoma and leukemia are ruled out (uncommon) there are 3 major reasons for tonsillectomy. 1.) 3 to 4 documented episodes of infection a year for several years. 2.) hypertrophic (very enlarged) tonsils causing a sleep disorder and 3.) frequent accumulations of food particles settling in the crevices of the tonsil causing very annoying halitosis.