Pathological Findings of Clinical Value in Tonsils and Adenoids

Abstract

In the E.N.T. ward, University of Aarhus, tonsils and/or adenoids from 4680 patients have been referred to systematic microscopic study. In 3 cases only microscopic findings of epitheloid cell granulomas were made. These findings, however, were of no therapeutic consequence, all three patients being perfectly well without any treatment at a follow-up study. A case of tonsillar sarcoma was not diagnosed in spite of the histological examination.

In order to make sure that no neglected cases of malignancy should exist which were not treated later on in the E.N.T. ward, the material from the Radium Centre from the same period consisting of 180 patients with malignant tonsillar and rhinopharyngeal tumours was reviewed, the service area of the E.N.T. dept. being covered by the Radium Centre. Hereby no further cases were found.

It is concluded that systematic microscopic examination after the age of 40 is required, whereas it may be omitted in younger persons.