Localized Amyloidosis Involving Palatine Tonsils: A Case Report and Literature Review

Head Neck Pathol. 2020 Dec;14(4):1036-1040. doi: 10.1007/s12105-020-01177-5. Epub 2020 May 25.

Abstract

Amyloidosis is a localized or systemic process where extracellular insoluble plasma protein fibers are deposited into tissues. Localized amyloidosis is rare and curable by surgical resection. While the head and neck region represents 19% of localized amyloidosis cases, only one other case of bilateral involvement of the pharyngeal tonsils has been published in the international literature. We report a case of asymptomatic amyloidosis isolated to the bilateral palatine tonsils and a cervical lymph node in a 59-year-old male. Systemic amyloidosis was ruled out through multidisciplinary consultation, and resection of the masses was performed. This represents the second reported case of bilateral tonsillar amyloidosis.

Keywords: Localized amyloidosis; Palatine tonsils; Waldeyer's ring.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amyloidosis / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Lymph Node Excision
  • Lymph Nodes / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Palatine Tonsil / pathology*
  • Tonsillectomy