Routine Histopathological Analysis of Pediatric and Adult Tonsils

Abstract

Introduction:Making a protocol is a must to overcome the controversy of doing routine histopathological examination of tonsillectomy specimen. Materials and methods:Histopathological report of 100 consecutive tonsillectomy specimens that reached the pathology department of Saveetha Medical College was analyzed.Results: Histological examination of the 154 pediatric tonsils showed reactive lymphoid hyperplasia in all the patients. One specimen had a small cartilaginous choristoma. In the 46 adult tonsils, there were two lymphoma, one extensive osteocartilaginous choristoma, and one epidermoid cyst of tonsil. Discussion:As the histopathological examination in the pediatric group did not reveal any finding, it can be done only in patients with risk factors. The adult group showed two cases of Hodgkins lymphoma, one epidermoid cyst of tonsil and one osteocartilaginous choristoma tonsil. Hence, we suggest to continue the practice of routine histopathological analysis in adults. Conclusion:We suggest continuing the practice of routine histopathological examination of all adult tonsillectomy specimens.