Can you request tonsillectomy

Certain viruses, like human papillomavirus HPV , can leave masses on the tonsils that may be cancerous. These masses can lead to similar symptoms related to tonsil infections. A biopsy helps to rule out the possibility of the throat or other cancers. For a doctor to complete the biopsy, a tonsillectomy happens first.

Adult tonsillectomies are similar to the procedure thousands of children have every year. The surgeon will perform the procedure under general anesthesia. While the patient is asleep, the surgeon uses a small scalpel to remove the tonsils and sometimes the adenoids. The doctor will then monitor the patient for any complications. A tonsillectomy can take about 2 weeks to heal.

Speak with the doctor about any strange symptoms, as some risks come with surgery. A health care provider might recommend removing the tonsils if someone gets a lot of tonsil infections called tonsillitis.

Experts define "a lot" as when a doctor diagnoses the person with at least 7 infections a year, more than 5 infections a year for 2 years in a row, or three infections a year for 3 years.

What Happens Before a Tonsillectomy? What Happens During a Tonsillectomy? The two main types of tonsillectomy surgery are: Traditional tonsillectomy: Both tonsils are completely removed. Intracapsular tonsillectomy: The surgeon removes all the affected tonsil tissue, but leaves a small layer to protect the throat muscles underneath. There's a very slight chance that the remaining tissue can re-grow or become infected and need more tonsil surgery, but this isn't common.

If you have this type of surgery, you will: recover faster have less pain not need as much pain medicine have a lower risk of bleeding be better able to eat and drink after the procedure.

How Long Does a Tonsillectomy Take? A tonsillectomy usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes, though it can take a little longer. What Happens After the Tonsillectomy? There are risks with any surgery, including infection and problems with anesthesia. How Can I Feel Better? Abnormal growths: "Cancer of the tonsils is on the rise, in part due to its association with the human papillomavirus virus," said Lintzenich. HPV can cause cancers in the back of the throat, particularly at the base of the tongue and the tonsils.

We don't take a biopsy of the tonsils. If we are worried, it's a good reason to take them out. Because sore throats are not uncommon, it may be difficult to know when to make an appointment.

But, if you notice some of the following symptoms, call your doctor:. A tonsillectomy is performed under general anesthesia. Doctors can use one of several techniques for removing the tonsils, depending on their preference, noted Lintzenich. The entire procedure takes about an hour. Although rare, the risks from a tonsillectomy include possible bleeding and infection. The indications for tonsillectomy in adults are the same as in children, but tonsillitis is less common in the adult population because as children grow, their tonsils typically shrink and infection becomes less common.

Swollen tonsils and adenoids are a major cause of sleep apnea in children, a condition that causes abnormal pauses in breathing during sleep. Ingley says removal of the tonsils for sleep apnea is more common in children ages 3 to 8, which often improves their sleep, behavior and quality of life.

Adults with enlarged tonsils may feel sluggish and chronically tired due to interrupted sleep. Adults who suffer from chronic sore throat and related sleep apnea can benefit from tonsillectomy. However, the recovery can be longer compared to that of a child. Ingley notes. It is important for every patient to discuss their options with their physician. If you experience frequent sore throat , talk to your doctor.