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Health Conditions

Can Your Tonsils Grow Back?

- Written By

Brenda Galloway , ABMS

Updated on

This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by experts. Our team of experts strive to be objective, unbiased, honest and to present both sides of the argument. This article contains scientific references. Read more about our process.

can tonsils grow back

Your tonsils can grow back after surgery to remove them through a technique known as a tonsillectomy. This may occur if leftover tissue from the operation regenerates. Tonsils usually partially regenerate but most likely not fully.

Continue reading to learn about tonsil regrowth’s possible signs and symptoms and medical solutions.

Understanding the Function of Tonsils

The tiny, frequently disregarded structures at the back of your throat, known as the tonsils, are vital to your body’s immune system. They primarily defend against infections by capturing dangerous microorganisms that enter your mouth and throat.

The Operative Procedure Is A Tonsillectomy

Medical experts may advise a tonsillectomy or the surgical removal of the tonsils in cases of persistent infections or other health issues. This method was standard practice, particularly for young children who regularly experienced tonsillitis.

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Do Tonsils Recover?

One of the often-asked issues is whether tonsils can grow back after being removed. The simple answer is that they can, but it only happens to some and is relatively uncommon. Tonsils could be able to regrow partially. The majority of the tonsils are removed during the process of tonsillectomy. Consult your doctor if you’re concerned that your daughter’s tonsils are returning. But that doesn’t necessarily mean her tonsils are growing back because she still experiences sore throats. Children may experience fewer throat infections after tonsillectomies, although they are still possible. In addition, other factors like colds, allergies, and dry air can contribute to sore throats.

If my tonsils have grown back, how can I tell?

After having your tonsils removed, you can experience panic the first time you develop a sore throat if you believe you will never experience another strep infection. 

While tonsil removal significantly reduces the frequency of illnesses a person has, you can still have throat infections after that. You should not assume that your tonsils have grown back just because you have a throat infection.

You might notice bumps where your tonsils formerly were if they are regrowing or could become infected and swollen. Unless they start producing issues, this usually is fine. Talk to your doctor about the likelihood that your tonsils and adenoids have grown back if you begin experiencing recurrent throat infections or sleep apnea symptoms, and then take it from there.

How Should I Proceed If My Tonsils Have Regrown?

You now know the answer to your original query, “Can tonsils grow back after surgery?” You might also be considering what to do if they return. You are one of the relatively few people affected if this occurs to you. A minor lump is nothing to worry about, even if you develop any illnesses; your doctor will prescribe medication to address the issue.

Your doctor may occasionally prescribe steroids to help decrease your tonsils. If that doesn’t work, you might need to have another operation. 

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1) Possibility of Regrowth

Tonsil “regeneration,” or regrowth, is a theoretical but doubtful option. Suppose only a portion of the tonsil tissue was removed during the initial treatment. In that case, there is a higher chance that the tonsils would come back.

2) Understanding the Why and How of Regeneration

The secret of tonsil regrowth lies in the human body’s extraordinary capacity for healing and regeneration. After surgery, the remaining tissue, or even dormant tissue, might occasionally start the regrowth process.

3) When to Be Wary of Regrowth Symptoms

People could suffer symptoms similar to those before the tonsillectomy if regrowth does happen in some situations. These could include persistent sore throats, swallowing issues, or a feeling that something is stuck in the throat.

4) Getting Professional Advice

See a doctor if you think your tonsils have returned or have symptoms that remind you of before surgery. They can conduct a comprehensive assessment and advise on the best action. 

Treatment

After surgery, if your tonsils grow back, you might not require any further treatment.

Your doctor would advise using the same therapies you did before undergoing a tonsillectomy if you experience infections or other issues. For instance, medicines will be provided if you have strep throat.

If your symptoms are severe, doctors may, in rare circumstances, advise further surgery.

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Regrowth Prevention

Although the likelihood of tonsil regrowth is comparatively low, there is no guarantee that it won’t happen. The possibility of regrowth might be minimized by complete removal during the initial tonsillectomy.

Is it possible to have a sore throat without tonsils?

Your likelihood of getting strep throat is decreased if you recently had your tonsils removed. The streptococcus (strep) bacteria bring on the condition known as throat strep. A sudden sore throat, trouble swallowing, and an elevated temperature indicate strep throat.

Surgery may lessen the incidence of throat infections in children. However, many youngsters without tonsils removed also experience a gradual decline in throat infections.

Even after removing your tonsils, a sore throat can still be brought on by allergies, colds, smoke, and dry air.

the bottom line

If you have your tonsils removed, your risk of developing strep throat is lower. The bacteria known as streptococcus (strep) cause the infection known as strep throat. The signs of strep throat include a sudden sore throat, trouble swallowing, and a high temperature.

A doctor might suggest removing a child’s tonsils if they experience strep throat more than seven times yearly.

You can still get strep throat even after having your tonsils surgically removed. Surgery for strep throat and recurrent infections has recently generated controversy among doctors.

How we reviewed this article

Trend Of Health has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy

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