Adenoid and palatine tonsil on lateral radiograph
Presentation
On examination - mouth breathing.
Patient Data
Age: 6 years
Gender: Male
From the case:
Adenoid and palatine tonsil on lateral radiograph
X-ray
Lateral
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. 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.