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Tonsillar lymphangioma with adipose and smooth muscle proliferation: a case report
Maryam Maghbool1, Babak Samizadeh1, Seyedeh Yasamin Parvar2,3
1Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran.
Background:
Lymphangiomatous lesions commonly occur in the head and neck region; however, involvement of the palatine tonsil is rare. Tonsillar lymphangiomatous polyps containing both adipose tissue and smooth muscle proliferation are exceptionally uncommon. We report a rare case of tonsillar lymphangioma with adipose tissue and focal smooth muscle proliferation.
Case Presentation:
A 28-year-old Iranian man presented with sore throat and was found to have a pedunculated mass arising from the right palatine tonsil. Physical examination revealed a smooth-surfaced, non-ulcerated polypoid lesion measuring 2 × 1 × 0.3 cm. Owing to the small size and clinically benign appearance of the lesion, no preoperative imaging was performed. Right-sided tonsillectomy was undertaken. Histopathologic examination demonstrated a lymphangiomatous polyp (lymphangioma) composed of dilated lymphatic channels within a fibroadipose stroma with focal smooth muscle proliferation. The lesion was completely excised with negative surgical margins. No recurrence was observed during 1 year of follow-up.
Conclusions:
Tonsillar lymphangiomatous lesions are rare benign entities that may clinically mimic other tonsillar masses. Histopathologic examination is essential for definitive diagnosis. Complete surgical excision appears curative, and recurrence is uncommon.
