Enlargement of the lingual tonsil may be asymptomatic, or may cause a number of signs and symptoms that may be the first indication of the condition.
Clinical consequences associated with an enlarged lingual tonsil:
(1) obstructive sleep apnea
(2) difficulty breathing
(3) dysphagia
(4) difficult airway for intubation
(5) change in voice
An MRI or other imaging scan of the neck can help to determine the size and extent of the tonsil.
Treatment of the cause or resection of the lingual tonsil often will improve that patient's condition although tracheostomy or other procedures may occasionally be necessary.
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