Why Are Adenoids Removed with the Tonsils? — AMITA Health

Eileen Mahoney, MD, an AMITA Health pediatric otolaryngologist based in Hinsdale, IL, explains why adenoids are typically removed at the same time as tonsils: because they are both comprised of the same tissue, infection of the tonsils often indicates infection of the adenoids (which are harder to observe than tonsils). That said, the adenoids can be swollen while the tonsils are normal (which can manifest as snoring). A nose scope or an X-ray of the head might be used to determine if the adenoid is enlarged and needs to be removed.