The Conversation: removed tonsils regenerate in about 6% of patients

British scientists from Lancaster University have found that tonsils can regenerate after surgical removal. The study is published on The Conversation.

The tonsils, part of the lymphatic system, play an important role in the body's defense against infections. However, in cases of chronic inflammation, they have to be removed. Partial tonsillectomy, in which only part of the tonsils are removed, is one of the reasons why they may re-grow.

This method can shorten recovery time and reduce the risk of complications, but in about 6% of patients, especially children, the tonsils can grow back, sometimes requiring a second surgery.

The researchers looked at the case of a US resident named Kathy Golden, whose tonsils had fully recovered 40 years after they were removed as a child. According to scientists, re-growth of the organs occurs when their residual tissue undergoes new inflammation.

The regeneration of tonsils is not the only example of organ regeneration. The liver, for example, is able to regenerate to full size even when only 10% of its tissue is retained. The spleen also has an amazing ability to regenerate: after injury or removal of its fragments can “take root” in the abdominal cavity, continuing to perform their functions.

In the last few years it has been shown that the lungs also have the ability to regenerate.

Smoking and other pollutants are known to destroy the alveoli (tiny air sacs) through which oxygen enters the blood.

Smoking cessation has been shown to allow cells that have escaped damage from cancer-causing chemicals in tobacco smoke to help regenerate and repopulate the mucous membrane parts of the airways with healthy cells.

“Organ regeneration is the scientific Holy Grail. Understanding how the tonsils, liver or spleen regenerate may help us develop methods to repair other tissues as well,” the experts said.

Follow NEWS.am Medicine on Facebook and Twitter