Cartilaginous choristomas in tonsillectomy specimen: A prospective analysis

Area of Science:

• Head and Neck Pathology
• Benign Neoplasms
• Histopathology

Background:

• Cartilaginous Choristomas (CC) are uncommon benign lesions located in the head and neck region.
• Tonsillectomy specimens provide a unique opportunity to study the prevalence and characteristics of CC in this anatomical area.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the observed findings of Cartilaginous Choristomas (CC) in tonsillectomy specimens.
• To determine the incidence and histological features of CC in routine practice.

Main Methods:

• A prospective analysis of tonsillectomy specimens was conducted between 2002 and 2018.
• Specimens were routinely sampled, processed, embedded in paraffin, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for microscopic examination.

Main Results:

• Cartilaginous Choristomas (CC) were identified in 141 out of 2355 tonsillectomy patients, with an overall detection rate of 3.68%.
• 155 CCs were detected, with some cases showing multifocal or bilateral occurrences. Calcification and ossification were noted in a few instances.
• Significant fibrosis was more prevalent in patients aged 15 and older, though CCs themselves were generally non-fibrotic and age-independent.

Conclusions:

• The presence of hyaline cartilage in the tonsil represents a hamartomatous development.
• Cartilaginous Choristomas (CC) in the tonsil are typically non-fibrotic, can be unilateral or bilateral, and are not associated with age.
• The incidence of ectopic cartilage in tonsillectomy specimens was found to be 5.99%, with no associated primary malignancy observed.