Lingual Tonsils

 

The picture below shows enlarged and lumpy lingual tonsils. Lingual means tongue. These tonsils sit on the back of the tongue, above the epiglottis (the pale U shaped structure above the lingual tonsils) and cannot be seen when examining a patient through the mouth. This photo was taken using a high definition digital endoscope at HealthHub. Lingual tonsils often enlarge after removal of the palatine tonsils, which we call tonsillectomy. They may get sore/ infected, like tonsillitis. Your GP will not be able to see them so will not believe your symptoms and wonder if you are making it up.