Previously asked about abcessed tonsils. was not clear on status. wanted to know if they can re-occur? i had previously asked about abecessed tonsils. 20 yrs ago had mjr infection with abcessed tonsils. doctor said to go immediately to doctor if i got the

Your : Your history is complex enough that it warrants a full exam by an ENT doctor. There is a small possibility that the tonsils were not completely removed. I have seen tonsil abscess formation in patients who have had "tonsillectomies" years ago. Small remnants of tonsils were left behind. In any event, a full history and exam is warranted.

There : There are actually 4 tonsils - only two are removed during routine tonsillectomy and three are removed by adenotonsillectomy. The lingual or tongue tonsil is seldom removed and can be the source of irritation in patients. All ENT surgeons need to make a cut between the tongue tonsil and the two palatine tonsils (what most people think as true tonsil) and a small tag may be left behind. Also, other diseases of the salivary glands also may contribute to your symptoms. Finally if you smoke or have reflux, this may also cause symptoms similar to those you are experiencing. A visit to an otolaryngologist may help pinpoint the source or put your fears to rest as the initial episode made you appropriately anxious. Good luck.