Tonsil
Diseases

DOÇ. DR. OSMAN HALİT ÇAM

What are tonsils?

Tonsils are clusters of lymphoid tissue located at the entrance to the mouth on both sides of the throat. They are also called "tonsils". Tonsils play an important role for the immune system. They filter germs and other foreign substances entering the body and activate the immune system against them.

There are three pairs of tonsils in the human body:

Sublingual Tonsils (Lingual Tonsils): Located at the back of the tongue.

Tonsils at the Back of the Tonsil (Pharyngeal Tonsils or Adenoids): Located behind the nose, at the junction of the nose and throat.

Tonsils on Both Sides of the Tonsils (Palatine Tonsils): Located on both sides of the throat, at the entrance to the mouth.

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Tonsil Diseases: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Tonsils are small glands made up of lymphatic tissue located on both sides of the throat. Tonsils play an important role in protecting the body against infections. However, sometimes the tonsils themselves can become infected and cause various health problems. Here is what you need to know about tonsil diseases:

1. Tonsil Inflammation (Infection of the tonsils):

Signs and Symptoms:

– Sore throat
– Difficulty swallowing
– Red, swollen tonsils
– Fire
– Headache
– General weakness

Causes:
Tonsillitis is usually caused by bacterial or viral infections. Streptococcus bacteria is a common cause of tonsillitis.

Treatment:
Bacterial tonsillitis is usually treated with antibiotics. For viral infections, rest, fluid intake and symptom-relieving medications are usually recommended.

2. Tonsil Hypertrophy (enlarged tonsils):

Signs and Symptoms:

– Frequent recurrent throat infections
– Snoring
– Sleep apnoea
– Difficulty swallowing

Causes:
Tonsil hypertrophy can develop, usually due to recurrent infections or genetic factors.

Treatment:
Treatment varies depending on the symptoms and causes. Methods such as medications, surgical intervention or tonsillectomy can be used.

3. Tonsil Cancer:

Signs and Symptoms:

– Sore throat
– Difficulty swallowing
– Ear pain
– Difficulty breathing
– Weight loss
– Haemorrhage

Causes:
Tonsil cancer is usually caused by the development of malignant cells. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and human papillomavirus (HPV) infections may be among the risk factors.

Treatment:
Treatment may include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, depending on the stage and spread of the cancer.

If there are symptoms or concerns about tonsil diseases, it is important to talk to a health professional. The specialist will carry out the necessary investigations to make the correct diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatment plan.