October 14, 2021

Tonsillectomy Reduces FUTURE Risk of Throat Cancer


Remote history of tonsil removal decreases future risk of oropharyngeal cancer development by about 60% according to Danish researchers based on data analysis using the Danish Cancer Registry. If tonsillectomy was performed within 1 year of diagnosis with tonsil carcinoma, having this surgery done was associated with significantly improved overall survival. As such, it is not surprising that from 1977 to 2012 as the incidence of tonsillectomies significantly decreased, the incidence of oropharyngeal carcinoma significantly increased.


Once the decision is made to have the tonsils removed in a child for sleep apnea, recurrent tonsillitis, or strep throat, it will not just reduce frequent illnesses, but the side benefit is that the risk of throat cancer developing at some point in the future is also significantly reduced!


References:

The Impact of Tonsillectomy upon the Risk of Oropharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Prognosis in the Danish Cancer Registry. Cancer Prev Res July 1 2015 (8) (7) 583-589; DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.CAPR-15-0101




Fauquier blog
Fauquier ENT

Dr. Christopher Chang is a private practice otolaryngology, head & neck surgeon specializing in the treatment of problems related to the ear, nose, and throat. Located in Warrenton, VA about 45 minutes west of Washington DC, he also provides inhalant allergy testing/treatment, hearing tests, and dispenses hearing aids.


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