What are the Tonsils and Adenoids?
Tonsils and adenoids are composed of tissue similar to the lymph nodes found in the neck, groin, and armpits. The adenoids are high in the throat behind the nose and soft palate (roof of the mouth) and, unlike tonsils, are not visible through the mouth without special instruments. The tonsils are the two masses of tissue on either side of the back of the throat.
Tonsils and adenoids are strategically located near the entrance to the breathing passages where they can catch incoming germs, which cause infections. They are part of our immune system which filters bacteria and viruses and can become infected themselves.
The diseases that affect the tonsils and adenoids are recurrent infections and enlargement and/or obstruction which can cause breathing and swallowing problems. Abscesses, chronic tonsillitis, and infections of the small pockets (crypts) within the tonsils that can produce bad smelling, cheesy-like formations can also affect the tonsils and adenoids, making them sore and swollen.
Tumors are rare, but can grow on the tonsils. Recent studies indicate an adenoidectomy may be beneficial treatment for some children with chronic Otitis media with effusion (earaches accompanied by fluid in the middle ear).
