Management of tonsillar lipoma: is tonsillectomy essential?

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Tonsillar lipomas are rare benign neoplasms.
• Current management often involves tonsillectomy alongside lipoma excision.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of simple lipoma excision without tonsillectomy.
• To review the literature on tonsillar lipomas.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a tonsillar lipoma managed by simple excision.
• Comprehensive worldwide literature review.

Main Results:

• Successful management of tonsillar lipoma via simple excision.
• No recurrence observed at 2-year follow-up.
• Literature review to define clinical and histopathological features.

Conclusions:

• Routine tonsillectomy is not necessary for tonsillar lipomas.
• Simple excision of the lipoma stalk is a sufficient treatment.
• This conservative approach reduces surgical morbidity.