Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Presenting as Unilateral Tonsillar Hypertrophy: Case Report

Oropharyngeal lymphomas are uncommon but most frequently arise in the Waldeyer’s ring, which is the second most common site for extranodal lymphomas after the gastrointestinal tract. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma of the Waldeyer’s ring is a relatively rare entity, and the palatine tonsil is the most frequently involved site. A 72-year-old woman presented with a sore throat who had not responded to routine treatment. On physical examination, a smooth non-tender mass was observed in the left palatine tonsil. Routine laboratory tests were normal. Computed tomography (CT) scan revealed tonsillar hypertrophy and CT images in other areas were also normal. Tonsillectomy was done with a tentative diagnosis of lymphoma. Histological examination confirmed a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma diffuse large cell type of B phenotype. A combined treatment consisting of chemotherapy and radiotherapy leads to a satisfactory outcome in patients with this uncommon neoplasm, which tends to present at an early stage and to have a favorable prognosis.