RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Tonsillectomy as a Prevention Strategy in the Light of Increasing Incidence of Oropharyngeal Cancer – a Research of Current Literature
JF Anticancer Research
JO Anticancer Res
FD International Institute of Anticancer Research
SP 1157
OP 1161
DO 10.21873/anticanres.14872
VO 41
IS 3
A1 ACHIM M. FRANZEN
A1 JOCHEN P. WINDFUHR
YR 2021
UL http://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/41/3/1157.abstract
AB Background/Aim: While in many Western countries the number of tonsillectomies decreases significantly, there is an increasing incidence of oropharyngeal carcinomas. For, obviously, removal of the tonsils will reduce individual risk for tonsil cancer, the question of tonsillectomy as a prevention strategy is suggested. This study focused on this question by carrying out a literature research. Materials and Methods: A literature research was performed (www.pubmed.gov; Search words: tonsillectomy, oropharyngeal cancer, tonsil cancer, prevention) without applying additional filters. Results: Out of the 16 identified studies, three population-based studies were evaluated. Individual incidence of tonsil cancer is significantly lower after removal of tonsils; however, risk elimination by tonsillectomy has not been proven. One of the studies revealed increasing numbers of base of the tongue cancer after previous tonsillectomy. Conclusion: The increase in oropharynx carcinomas can currently be attributed not to the decreasing tonsillectomy rates, but to the increase in HPV infections. A previous tonsillectomy reduces the individual risk of developing tonsil carcer. Tonsillectomy as prevention for oropharyngeal cancer cannot be recommended and may even be a disadvantage concerning base of the tongue cancers.