A rare cause of tonsil mass in a child: Lymphoid polyp

OBJECTIVE: Solitary mass lesions of the palatine tonsils are rare in children. While a tonsillar mass can be concerning for a neoplasm, benign conditions may present with a mass arising from the surface of the palatine tonsils in children. We describe clinical and histopathological characteristics of a lymphoid polyp in a child with unilateral tonsillar mass. METHODS: Retrospective chart review. RESULTS: A 6-year-old girl presented for evaluation of recurrent acute tonsillitis and a mass on the left palatine tonsil. A pedunculated mass with the base attached to the left palatine tonsil was observed. The mass was completely removed by tonsillectomy. The final diagnosis was lymphoid polyp. CONCLUSION: Pediatricians, otolaryngologists, and pathologists should be aware of the occurrence of tonsillar lymphoid polyp in the pediatric age group.