Suggest Treatment For Tonsils

Posted on Wed, 2 Aug 2023

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 2 Aug 2023 Answered on

Fri, 24 May 2024 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello, my 21 year old son is very healthy and just had routine bloodwork done, and all was within normal limits. He has relatively large tonsils (never had many sore throats or tonsilitis or strep throat when he was young), which have large crypts and he has had tonsil stones sporadically. I few weeks ago he noticed in the mirror that a portion of his left tonsil seems to have detached from the bulk of the tonsil, and is hanging down; he said he knows for sure that it is in the location where there was a large crypt. He is not in any pain or discomfort, and I would like him to visit a specialist to take a look at it. In the meantime, does this appear to be terribly worrisome? Unfortunately, I do not have a picture to attach for your review. Thank you!

Answered by Dr. Naveen (32 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It is a perfectly normal tonsil

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thank you for posing the question.

After reading the description, I believe that is a totally normal tonsil. Because of the repetitive buildup of tonsillolith (tonsil stone) in the crypt magna of the tonsil, it would have gotten wide, creating the impression of several swellings. To be honest, there does not appear to be any serious issue that should be of worry.

I assure you that it is a perfectly normal tonsil and that you need not be concerned.

I hope this solves your question. If you have any follow-up questions, please let us know.

With best regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. LAKSHMI