In this series, “The Miraculous Immune System,” we’ll explore the true power of our immunity, the organs that work tirelessly to protect us. We’ll also provide practical ways to protect these vital gifts from the divine.
Tonsillectomies have long been considered to be relatively minor surgeries, yet recent evidence of associated risks and long-term consequences warrant second thoughts about rushing into surgery.
Summary of Key Facts A retrospective cohort study of patients after tonsillectomy found a higher risk of developing esophageal cancer or precancerous conditions.
A large study from Denmark found that tonsillectomy can reduce the risk of tonsil and oropharyngeal cancer in people under 60 years old by up to 85 percent. However, for those over 60, tonsillectomy may increase the risk of these cancers by up to three times.
A study at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that having a tonsillectomy before age 13 increased the risk of cancer at the base of the tongue. Tonsillectomy doubled the risk of tongue cancer but lowered the risk of tonsil cancer.
A study of women living in western New York found that a history of tonsillectomy was associated with an increased risk of breast cancer among premenopausal but not postmenopausal women.
A study conducted in Sweden that followed more than 80,000 people who had their tonsils or appendix removed before the age of 20 found that they had a higher risk of a heart attack later in life. The risk was highest for those who had both procedures.
A Taiwan study that analyzed data from 1,300 tonsillectomy patients and 2,600 matched controls found that patients who had a tonsillectomy had nearly twice the risk of developing irritable bowel syndrome as those who didn’t. The risk was even higher for patients over 50 years old.
Risks and benefits should be carefully considered before deciding whether a tonsillectomy is an appropriate solution. As the guardians against pathogens, the tonsils are a front line of defense and the first major mucosa-associated immune barrier that foreign microorganisms have to confront to enter the digestive tract….