My daughter had her tonsils taken out last year. But she's started getting the same kinds of sore throats that she got before. Is it possible that her tonsils are growing back?
– Elizabeth
It is possible for tonsils to partially grow back. In a procedure called a tonsillectomy, most of the tonsils are removed. However, if some tissue remains, tonsils can sometimes regenerate — although they probably won't grow back completely or to their original size.
If you're worried that your daughter's tonsils are growing back, talk to your doctor. If you're concerned because she still gets sore throats, it's probably not due to tonsils growing back, but rather to viral illnesses affecting the respiratory tract.
For more information, check out these articles:
Tonsillitis
Tonsils and Tonsillectomies
Reviewed by: Barbara P. Homeier, MD
Date reviewed: September 2006
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