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Updated: Jul 18, 2026
08:09
Efficient Isolation Protocol for B and T Lymphocytes from Human Palatine Tonsils
Published on: November 16, 2015
Malignancy in asymmetrical but otherwise normal palatine tonsils
Adenike F Oluwasanmi1, Stephen J Wood, David L Baldwin
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK. oluwasanmiadenike@hotmail.com
Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal
|November 28, 2006
Summary
Asymmetrical tonsils, even without risk factors, showed a 2.3% malignancy rate in a study of 87 patients. This suggests routine tonsil excision may be warranted for abnormally large tonsils.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Tonsil asymmetry is often considered benign.
- However, abnormally enlarged tonsils can be an indicator of malignancy.
- This study investigates the malignancy risk associated with tonsil asymmetry.
Observation:
- Retrospective analysis of 87 patients with asymmetrically sized, otherwise normal tonsils.
- Patients had no pre-existing risk factors for cancer.
- The study focused on determining the incidence of malignancy in this specific group.
Findings:
- Two cases (2.3%) of malignancy were identified among the patients.
- Malignancies included high-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and lymphocyte-rich Hodgkin's lymphoma.
- Both diagnosed patients were over 50 years old and had no history of recurrent tonsillitis.
Implications:
- The findings suggest that tonsil asymmetry, even in the absence of other risk factors, is significant.
- Routine excision of abnormally enlarged tonsils is recommended.
- Patients must be fully informed about the risks and benefits of tonsillectomy due to asymmetry.
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