Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2025

Isolation of Tonsillar Mononuclear Cells to Study Ex Vivo Innate Immune Responses in a Human Mucosal Lymphoid Tissue
Published on: June 14, 2020
Tonsillar tuberculosis mimicking tonsillar carcinoma: A case report
Chaima Ben Ammar1, Makram Tbini1, Houssem Eddine Kamel1
1ENT Department, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Boulevard du 9-Avril 1938, 1006 Tunis, Tunisia; Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University Tunis el Manar, Tunisia.
Introduction:
Extrapulmonary tuberculosis is rare even in endemic areas, and is dominated by lymph node involvement. Tonsillar tuberculosis is exceptional. The clinical examination and radiological explorations are non-specific.
Case Presentation:
A 45-year-old woman presented with chronic odynophagia and otalgia. Examination revealed an enlarged left palatine tonsil with an irregular surface and a firm consistency. Radiologic exploration was not specific. The patient underwent a tonsillar biopsy. Histopathology was consistent with tuberculosis and the patient was put on antitubercular drugs.
Clinical Discussion:
Tuberculosis is a global public health problem. Extrapulmonary tuberculosis is rare and mainly affects lymph nodes. Tonsillar tuberculosis is frequentely seen in individuals with immunodeficiency. Clinical features and imaging findings are non-specific. Diagnosis is based on histopathological and microbiological findings to rule out differential diagnoses especially cancer. Treatment is based on anti-tuberculosis drugs.
Conclusion:
Our case illustrates a rare presentation of primary tuberculosis and highlights the importance of considering tuberculosis as a potential cause of tonsillitis.
Related Concept Videos
Tonsillitis I: Introduction
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
Tonsillitis II: Management
Chronic Pharyngitis
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis II
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...

