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Adenoid and palatine tonsil (lateral neck radiograph)

Case contributed by Maulik S Patel
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

On examination - mouth breathing.

Patient Data

Age: 6 years
Gender: Male

Enlarged adenoid (20 mm thick) and palatine tonsils.

Case Discussion

On radiographs, if the adenoid measures > 12 mm (AP) in the 2-10 year age group this is abnormal ref. It is seen as soft tissue indenting / obstructing the nasopharyngeal air column.

The palatine tonsils are easily seen on clinical examination so radiographs are not indicated for their assessment. The palatine tonsil is seen as a soft tissue prominence or mass posteroinferior to the soft palate.

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