A Comprehensive Analysis of Histopathologic Examination Results of Tonsillectomy Specimens

Objective This study aims to review the histopathologic results of tonsillectomy specimens, determine the rates of the tonsillectomy indications, and investigate the characteristics of asymmetric hypertrophy. Materials and Methods Medical records of 484 patients who underwent tonsillectomy were reviewed retrospectively. Descriptive data of adult and pediatric patients were presented as percentage. Comparisons between asymmetric and symmetric hypertrophy groups were performed to determine the features of asymmetric hypertrophy. Results The mean age of 484 patients who underwent tonsillectomy was 13 years (range: 3-69 years). While 372 (76.85%) patients were operated for infection, 100 (20.66%) were operated for tonsillar hypertrophy, 1 (0.21%) for a suspicion of malignancy, and 11 (2.27%) for other various reasons. Asymmetric hypertrophy was seen in 25 (5.16%) patients, whereas symmetric hypertrophy was seen in 75 (15.49%) patients. Malignancy was detected in three (0.61%) adult patients with asymmetric hypertrophy. Tonsillar tuberculosis was observed in one foreign patient with asymmetric hypertrophy. The presence of malignancy was higher in the asymmetric hypertrophy group (three patients [12%]) compared with the symmetric hypertrophy group (none) (p=0.002; X(2)=9.27). Median maximum specimen diameter was 3 cm (range: 1.15-5.5 cm) in the asymmetric hypertrophy group and 2.4 cm (range: 1.25-4.8 cm) in the symmetric hypertrophy group (p=0.08). The Friedman grade was significantly (p<0.001), positively, and strongly (r=0.885) correlated with the maximum specimen diameter. Conclusion Routine histopathologic examination of the tonsillectomy specimens might not be necessary for all patients, but it is recommended for the patients with a real asymmetry.