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Published on: November 16, 2015
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma presenting as bilateral tonsillar hypertrophy: case report
Sardar U Khan1, Cyril Kenefick, Gerard O'Leary
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, South Infirmary-Victoria University Hospital, Cork, Ireland. sardarent@hotmail.com
Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal
|April 17, 2010
Summary
A persistent sore throat and enlarged tonsils in a 57-year-old man led to a tonsillectomy, revealing bilateral non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This rare diagnosis highlights the importance of histologic analysis in persistent tonsil disease.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
- Otorhinolaryngology
Background:
- Persistent sore throat and tonsillar hypertrophy can be challenging to diagnose.
- Standard antibiotic treatments may not resolve all cases of tonsillar enlargement.
Observation:
- A 57-year-old male presented with persistent sore throat, dysphagia, and enlarged tonsils unresponsive to antibiotics.
- Tonsillectomy was performed due to persistent symptoms and tonsillar hypertrophy.
- Histologic examination of tonsil specimens revealed bilateral non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Findings:
- Bilateral non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the tonsils is a rare condition, with only four previously reported cases.
- The patient received successful treatment with chemotherapy and radiotherapy post-surgery.
Implications:
- Histologic analysis of tonsillectomy specimens is crucial for diagnosing rare conditions like non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of tonsillar lymphoma can lead to favorable outcomes.
- This case underscores the need for thorough pathological evaluation in persistent or unusual tonsillar presentations.
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