Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour of the tonsil: case report and literature review.

OBJECTIVE

We present the first reported case in the English language literature of an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour of the right tonsil in a young, pregnant woman, and we report a management strategy for this enigmatic entity.

CASE REPORT: A 28-year-old, pregnant woman presented with a 10-day history of odynophagia despite a course of antibiotics. Examination revealed a grade II, erythematous right tonsil with ulceration on the upper pole. A biopsy was arranged, and initial evaluation was suggestive of spindle cell carcinoma. However, this diagnosis was reviewed after immunohistochemical staining confirmed an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour. Subsequent complete excision was undertaken using CO2 laser.

CONCLUSION

Clinically, inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour of the tonsil is known to be locally aggressive and can present in a manner not dissimilar to a high grade carcinoma of the tonsil. As a result, the recommended treatment is complete local excision with careful follow up.