Tonsillectomy is among the most commonly performed operations in children. Although follicular lymphoid hyperplasia is usually the main and only pathologic finding at microscopic examination, a variety of other rare but important pathologic changes may be encountered. This review aims to provide an inclusive practical resource and reference for both training and practising pathologists. It discusses the spectrum of pathologic findings, including both neoplastic and non-neoplastic conditions and provides illustrative images.
Tonsil

PURPOSE: To evaluate normal tonsillar position at different ages, using MR images. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We measured the position of the cerebellar tonsils with respect to the inferior aspect of the foramen magnum on middle sagittal MR T1 weight images in 210 patients(9 days to 83 years) who were not considered to have any disorder that would affect tonsillar position. RESULTS: The mean distance between tonsillar tip and inferior aspect of the foramen magnum was 0.0 +/-1.9mm in the first decade of life, 0.7 +/-2.8mm in the fourth decade, and3.4 +/-2.3 mm in the eighth and ninth decades. The tonsillar position is significantly lower in youth(first and second decades) than in old age(seventh to ninth decades). CONCLUSION: We believe that a single reference standard that indicates the normal distance of the cerebellar tonsils from the foramen magnum is inappropriate unless age is considered. We suggest that the following distance below the foramen magnum(more than 2 standard deviations out of the normal range) be used as criteria for ectopia of the cerebellar tonsils in koreans : firstand second decades, 5mm ; third to sixth decades, 4mm ; seventh and eighth decades, 3mm.
Foramen Magnum ; Palatine Tonsil*

Humans ; Palatine Tonsil ; Tonsillitis

Palatine Tonsil ; Cysts

Hamartomatous polyps of the tonsil are very rare. They have been described using various terms such as a lymphangiomatous polyp, lymphangiectatic fibrous polyp, lipomatous polyp or pedunculated tonsil, thus the actual incidence is difficult to be quantified. We present a case of hamartomatous polyp of the palatine tonsil in a 30-year-old female presented with recurent tonsillitis. Histopathological examination of the resected tonsils showed features of chronic tonsilitis with incidental finding of hamartomatous polyp characterized by a polypoidal tissue covered by stratified squamous epithelium and composed of thin-walled blood vessels, lymphatic channels, fibrofatty tissues, seromucinous glands and striated muscle fibres. An unusual incidental histopathological finding of a rare condition has been discussed along with the review of literature.
Hamartoma ; Polyps ; Palatine Tonsil

No abstract available.
Palatine Tonsil* ; Tonsillitis*

No abstract available.
Coal* ; Palatine Tonsil*

Objectives: To discuss a case of primary melanoma of the palatine tonsil in a 57-year-old man presented with a dark, pigmented tonsillar mass initially managed as a case of arterio-venous malformation, and review the literature on its presentation, diagnosis, management and outcomes. : Methods Design: Case Report Setting: Tertiary Government Training Hospital Patient: One Results: A 57-year-old man presented with a pigmented, bluish-black mass (7.2 cm) on the right tonsillar area with dysphagia and odynophagia. A CT scan interpretation considered large tonsillar malignancy, right with infiltrations of the soft palate, lingual tonsils and pre-epiglottic space. The initial impression was an arteriovenous malformation and preoperative arterial embolization was followed by a tonsillectomy. The final biopsy result was mucosal melanoma. Refusing further treatment, he expired nine months later in the emergency room, after presenting with decreasing sensorium and desaturations, jaundice and abdominal distension. Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of tonsillar melanoma in the Philippines. Primary tonsillar melanoma is rare but its diagnosis is still possible (although it is usually diagnosed in advanced stages). Despite improvement in surgical techniques and adjuvant therapies, its prognosis remains poor. Regular oral cavity screening may help in early detection.
Palatine Tonsil ; Melanoma

195 patients with tonsil carcinoma were treated by simple external radiation at K Hospital from January 1990 to January 2001. Results showed: the rate of response to simple external radiation in all episode was 58.9%, partial response 41.1%, no unresponsive case or progresive case. The rate of responsive effect of external radiation on tumor was T1, T2 - 100%, T3 - 47%, T4 - 0%, N1 - 100%; N2 - 82.4%; N3 - 20.4%. The responsive rate of external radiation on tumor and adenomas was depended mainly on the sign, the invasion of the tumor and the adenome, but no relation with histopathological type.
Radiotherapy ; Therapeutics ; Tonsil ; Carcinoma ; Epidemiology

Spontaneous tonsillar hemorrhage from infectious causes is extremely rare and post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage, although also relatively rare, is an unavoidable complication of the procedure. Hemorrhage in association with tonsillitis or tonsillectomy is potentially dangerous and can be life threatening. We report here the presentation and management of a 42-yr-old man with severe spontaneous hemorrhage from infected tonsils and post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage. We suggest that if attempts to control the bleeding are not successful or if severe spontaneous tonsillar hemorrhage occurs repeatedly or a malignancy is suspected, tonsillectomy and close postoperative follow up is recommended.
Hemorrhage ; Palatine Tonsil ; Tonsillectomy ; Tonsillitis