A large unilateral tonsillolith

Tonsilloliths or tonsil stones are singular or multiple calculi found in tonsillar crypts that are located unilaterally or bilaterally. A review report determined the exact location of the tonsillolith, showing that in 69.7% of cases they are located in the tonsillar tissue, 21.2% in the tonsillar fossa, and 9% in the soft palate. Our research aims to document a case of unilateral tonsillolith that we removed under general anesthesia. His orthopantomography revealed a large radiopacity with respect to the anterior border of the left ramus and the angle area, measuring about 23.1 mm × 21.5 mm × 15.2 mm. During the operation, a vertical incision was placed along the left tonsillar region and the area was slightly dilated. A curved artery forceps was employed and the stone was removed in multiple fragments. The concretions were hard, irregular, and pale yellow, weighing approximately 31 mg. Accumulation of calcium salts is common in the bones. A heterotrophic calcification occurs when the same minerals deposit themselves in the soft tissue in an irregular manner. Various authors have classified this type of calcification into three broad categories, namely idiopathic, metastatic, and dystrophic. Our patient conformed to the first type. An early diagnosis and timely treatment can save the patient from an aggravated infection and prevent dyspnoea, choking due to dislodgement, otalgia, and the likes.