Tonsils & adenoids

Looks like

Two lumps of lymph tissue at the back of the throat, with more behind the nose.

What it does

Sample what is breathed and swallowed and teach the immune system early in life.

Keeping it well

Nothing routine; repeated severe attacks, or one tonsil growing alone, needs an opinion.

Its parts

• Palatine tonsil

Related conditions

• Bad breath (halitosis)
• Burning mouth syndrome
• Diphtheria
• Hand, foot and mouth disease
• Infectious mononucleosis
• Lichen planus
• Mouth ulcers (aphthous stomatitis)
• Pemphigus vulgaris
• Scarlet fever
• Stevens–Johnson syndrome / toxic epidermal necrolysis
• Tonsillitis & quinsy