Differential diagnosis of palatine tonsils – clinical and histopathological perspective

Introduction The palatine tonsils are one of the most important elements of the lymphatic system in the throat. Their main function is to protect the body against microorganisms. In the differential diagnosis of palatine tonsils, there are three most common disease states: acute tonsillitis (purulent tonsillitis), detritus in the crypts and changes associated with infectious mononucleosis. The article also discusses retention cysts, which, although less common, also pose a significant diagnostic problem. Aim The aim of the study is to analyze the differential diagnosis of selected tonsil diseases based on the results of our own research based on clinical and microscopic examinations. Material and methods The study analyzed the cases of 15 patients reporting to an ENT clinic with symptoms indicating tonsillitis. The diagnosis was based on: clinical examination and photographic documentation of the tonsil image, sampling of pathological content, histopathological analysis of samples fixed in formalin and stained with the hematoxylin-eosin method. Results and discussion The value of histopathological diagnostics in differentiating palatine tonsil diseases may prove important in the future. It is currently not routinely used in clinical practice. In this study, histopathological tests were performed to confirm the diagnosis made at the initial stage. Conclusions Differential diagnosis of palatine tonsils requires a comprehensive approach, including both clinical and histopathological evaluation. A precise diagnosis enables the implementation of targeted treatment, which significantly accelerates the improvement of the patient's health condition.