Asked by: Richard Merril, Littlehampton
Yes. In about 10 per cent of cases in one study, there was some regrowth of the tonsils after four years. This can happen if the surgeon accidentally leaves some of the tonsil tissue behind, but it’s quite common to deliberately perform a partial tonsillectomy too. Tonsil regrowth is more common after the age of seven and in individuals with diets high in sugar.
Subscribe to BBC Focus magazine for fascinating new Q&As every month and follow @sciencefocusQA on Twitter for your daily dose of fun science facts.
