title: Lingual tonsil: clinically applicable macroscopic anatomical classification system.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To classify the adult lingual tonsil according to the macroscopic appearance.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Four.
  
  
  METHODS
  Lingual tonsils were classified according to their appearance and relationship to surrounding structures. This was possible following serial views of lingual tonsils. The classification was named 'Swansea classification for lingual tonsil', representing the place of origin. The classification was then discussed with fellow clinicians. Independent professional observers graded lingual tonsil pictures. Intra-observer agreements were measured to validate the classification.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 22 professional observers went through a set of six pictures of three different grades of lingual tonsil. The pictures were then graded for validation. The intra-observer agreement was 0.81, confirming good agreement.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Swansea classification for lingual tonsil is reliable and reproducible. This classification should be routinely used during ENT examination, enabling accurate documentation and providing opportunities for future research and audit of practice.
authors.affiliation: ENT Department, Singleton Hospital, Swansea, UK.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Costello
authors.affiliation: ENT Head and Neck Department, Singleton Hospital, Swansea, UK.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Prabhu
authors.affiliation: ENT Head and Neck Department, Singleton Hospital, Swansea, UK.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Whittet
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004724:Endoscopy; D006801:Humans; D006965:Hyperplasia / Q000145:classification / Q000473:pathology; D008221:Lymphoid Tissue / Q000473:pathology; D015588:Observer Variation; D014066:Palatine Tonsil / Q000473:pathology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015203:Reproducibility of Results