Article
The Angiomyolipoma - a benign but rare tumor in otolaryngology
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Published: | September 22, 2005 |
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Problem: Tumors in the oropharynx as well as asymmetric tonsils should always be examined according to their origin because not only benign or malign tumors but also other diseases might cause such mutations.
A 16 year old patient who was complaining of sore throat and dysphagia as well as occasional dyspnoea for two years introduced himself because of an asymmetry of the tonsils.
The patient also remarked an increasing swelling after having cold drinks.
The physical examination showed a hyperplasia of the right tonsil as well as enlarged cervical lymphnodes on both sides.
Material and Method: The hospitalization was in order to perform a tonsillectomy and for histological examination.
During the operation we found a massively enlarged right tonsil which reached far to the hypopharynx. The tumor could easily be removed on the whole and showed an extent of about 10 cm. The left tonsil was regular.
There was no irregular bleeding during or after the operation.
Results: From the macroscopic point of view the removed tumor had a smooth surface and was of elastic consistency. The histologic preparation showed vasular, adipose and muscle elements – a benign tumor – a so called Angiomyolipoma.
There was no indication for malignancy.
Discussion: Angiomyolipomas are neoplasms of the mesenchyme with no tendency to malignant degeneracy. They can appear in different organs like in liver, orbita, kidney or the oropharynx. The most frequent appearance is described in kidney. In 60 % of these cases there is an association with tuberous sclerosis, that could not be proved in the other appearances.
Angiomyolipomas are a rarity in otolaryngology.