Delayed infection, late tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy and adult leukaemia: a case–control study

2003

Delayed Infection and Adult Leukaemia

Sample size: 2260 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Vineis P, Miligi L, Crosignani P, Davico L, Fontana A, Masala G, Nanni O, Ramazzotti V, Rodella S, Stagnaro E, Tumino R, Viganò C, Vindigni C, Costantini A S

Primary Institution: Servizio di Epidemiologia dei Tumori, Ospedale S. Giovanni Battista e Università di Torino

Hypothesis

Late EBV infection or other exposures to infectious agents are a proliferative stimulus for B-cells, which may confer proliferative advantage to mutated cells.

Conclusion

A later age at adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy increases the risk of lymphocytic leukaemia in adults.

Supporting Evidence

A later age at adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy significantly increased the risk of lymphocytic leukaemia.
The operations themselves were not associated with any risk modification.
Statistical analysis showed an odds ratio of 4.2 for lymphocytic leukaemia with adenoidectomy at ages 10-20.

Takeaway

Getting your tonsils or adenoids removed later in life might make you more likely to get a type of blood cancer called lymphocytic leukaemia.

Methodology

A population-based case–control study was conducted in 11 Italian areas, interviewing newly diagnosed leukaemia patients and a control group from the same population.