A Report of Two Cases of Tonsillolith

Abstract

Case 1 was a 39-yr-old male who presented with sore throat. Examination revealed that the right tonsil alone was swollen, and an elastic hard mass and swollen submandibular gland were palpated in the right upper neck area. CT scan revealed a calcified body in the right tonsil. Tonsillectomy was performed, and a large stone was removed. It was 28×18×18mm in size and 6.0gm, in weight. Chemical analysis revealed CaPO₄ 72%, CaCO₃ 8% and protein 20%.
Case 2 was a 54-yr-old female who had been receiving medication for hyperthyroidism for 1.5 years. She presented with a sensation of a foreign body in the pharynx and a swelling in the submandibular angle. Examination revealed that both tonsils were slightly swollen, and a mass measuring about 20mm in diameter, which seemed to be an enlarged submandibular gland, was palpated in the upper neck. CT showed a calcified body in the right tonsil, whereas there was no tumor in the upper neck or enlargement of the submandibular gland. Since the symptoms were only slight, conservative treatment was employed, and no change to chronic tonsillitis has been noted to date.
The etiology of tonsilloliths is discussed with reference to the literature on salivary, ureternal nasal and paranasal calculus.