Osteocartilaginous choristoma of bilateral palatine tonsil

Abstract

Choristoma is defined as the presence of normal tissues in abnormal anatomical locations. This entity is extremely rare, with only few cases reported in the literature. We hereby report a case of tonsillar osteocartilagenous choristoma in a 37-year-old male who presented at our hospital ENT outpatient department (OPD) with bilateral tonsillitis. He underwent bilateral tonsillectomy surgery and we received the specimen at Pathology department. Grossly both the tonsils were enlarged with cut surface showing chalky white firm to hard areas. The histopathological examination revealed unexpected presence of mature cartilage and bone surrounded by lymphoid follicles along with areas of calcification in both tonsils. Osseous and cartilaginous choristoma are the most frequently observed choristoma in oral cavity. However cartilaginous choristoma of oral cavity is commonly seen in the tongue, buccal mucosa and soft palate. This case report shall create awareness about occurrence of choristoma at rare sites like the palatine tonsil; among pathologists and clinicians.