Tonsillectomy and the incidence of various types of cancer

Abstract

A potential connection between tonsillectomy and the development of various cancer types has repeatedly been reported in the scientific literature, but many studies have contradicted these observations. Thus, we have no clear evidence, neither to firmly support nor to refute the above-mentioned connection. Here, I suggest that the main reason for the lack of clearer evidence is that the investigations have so far mainly used incorrect sample groups. I propose that individual differences in the tonsils’ involvement in immune reactions should be taken into account to solve this long-standing puzzle.

Cancer risk following surgical removal of tonsils and adenoids — a population-based, sibling-controlled cohort study in Sweden

“…Tonsils and adenoids, as secondary lymphoid organs, produce secondary immune responses through exhibiting specific antibodies and B and T cell activities, demonstrating humoral and cellular immune functions [ 54 ]. Removal of lymphoid tissues and its resultant immune-response alterations might therefore contribute to an increased risk of cancer [ 13 , 55 ]. Alternatively, individuals receiving a surgical removal of tonsils and adenoids might have impaired immune responses to combat the underlying conditions (e.g., hypertrophic tonsils, chronic infection, and recurrent middle ear effusion), regardless of the surgical procedure.…”

Treatment of recurrent acute tonsillitis—a systematic review and clinical practice recommendations

“…However, the causal relation remains unclear. It might be that factors that led to recurrent acute tonsillitis are responsible for this relation and not the tonsillectomy itself ( 97 , 98 ). Hence, due to several reasons, more long-term studies after tonsillectomy are needed.…”

Tonsillectomy as Prevention of Tonsil and Base of Tongue Cancer: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis on the Immuno-Oncological Effect of One Among the Most Common Surgeries in the World

“…Certainly, upper airway obstruction and recurrent infections represent the leading indications to TE in children (13). What is less known about TE, however, is its relationship with cancer (14). TE, in fact, has been described with different and conflicting connotations and summarizing the relationship between TE and cancer from the available international literature is a very laborious task (14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19).…”

“…What is less known about TE, however, is its relationship with cancer (14). TE, in fact, has been described with different and conflicting connotations and summarizing the relationship between TE and cancer from the available international literature is a very laborious task (14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19). Over the course of years, in fact, TE has been advocated on the one hand as a remedy for epithelial or lymphatic (lymphoma) cancer of the tonsils and on the other hand as a causative agent of various malignancies affecting several anatomic systems including the head, neck and the oropharynx (14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19).…”

“…TE, in fact, has been described with different and conflicting connotations and summarizing the relationship between TE and cancer from the available international literature is a very laborious task (14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19). Over the course of years, in fact, TE has been advocated on the one hand as a remedy for epithelial or lymphatic (lymphoma) cancer of the tonsils and on the other hand as a causative agent of various malignancies affecting several anatomic systems including the head, neck and the oropharynx (14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19). The aim of our systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the oncologic significance and prophylactic role of a previous TE (performed not for cancer but for other earnose-throat disorders) in decreasing the risk of TC.…”