Tonsils - two lymph nodes located in the back of the throat - are an important defense mechanism that protects your body from infection and disease. If you have a sore throat, you may also note that your tonsils appear red or swollen, a condition known as tonsillitis. This is a very common condition that can affect anyone of any age, although it is most often diagnosed in children. Tonsillitis can be dangerous due to its rapid rate of infection; physical contact between students can cause a whole classroom to become infected. Other causes, such as throat cancer, are also possible.

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