Can palatal tonsils be removed?

The removal of the palatal tonsils (Tonsilla palatina) is possible and in many cases even of considerable advantage for the patient. The palatal tonsil can be removed either completely (tonsillectomy) or only partially (tonsillotomy). Tonsillectomy is still one of the most common operations in Germany.

Since the palatine tonsil is now considered to play a greater role in the defence against infections, attempts are now being made to preserve it at least partially. Nevertheless, there are indications for which tonsillectomy is recommended. These include, for example, in Germany, the removal of the palatine tonsils is usually performed in hospital.

The patient is admitted as an inpatient for about one week. The operation is usually performed under general anesthesia, but in adults local anesthesia may be used. There are many different techniques of tonsillectomy.

In the most common one, the palatal tonsil is exposed under the mucous membrane during the operation and then removed. The wound usually takes four weeks to heal completely. During this time, pain and discomfort may occur when swallowing.

Physical exertion should also be avoided. A doctor should be consulted in case of complications such as post-bleeding, wound infections, taste or swallowing difficulties.

Frequently recurring or chronic inflammation of the tonsils (tonsillitis)
Abscesses on the palatal tonsils (peritonsillar abscess)
Malignant tumors
Obstruction of breathing or swallowing and sleep apnea due to the size of the tonsils.

Can palatine tonsils grow back?

The palatal tonsils can grow back after removal.This happens in slightly less than half of the cases. Lymphatic tissue of the lingual tonsil or the lateral cord colonizes the site where the removed tonsil was located. A new palatal tonsil is formed there. The new formation usually takes several years. If there is also an indication for the removal of the regrown palatal tonsils, this is also possible with these.

What is the difference between palatal & pharyngeal tonsils?

Palatal tonsil (Tonsilla palatina) and pharyngeal tonsil (Tonsilla pharyngealis) differ mainly in their location and number. Two palatal tonsils are located on the right and left side of the mouth between the palatal arches. The pharyngeal tonsil, on the other hand, is an unpaired organ, the pharyngeal tonsil “hangs” from the roof of the throat.

In the vernacular it is also called “polyp” or “polyps“. Histologically, the two almonds differ mainly in the depth of the indentations (crypts) that they pass through. These are more pronounced in the pharyngeal tonsil. In addition, there are strands of connective tissue in the pharyngeal tonsil, which divide it (connective tissue septum).