Author:
Stojković Eva,Stefanović Tanja
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Tonsillar cancers are most commonly squamous cell carcinomas, followed by lymphomas, mostly non-Hodgkin's type. The disease often remains asymptomatic for a long time, and patients typically present with odynophagia, dysphagia, and enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. It is increasingly seen in younger populations, with the most common cause being proven infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus. CASE REPORT: A 62-year-old patient presented to their primary care physician complaining of ear pain and difficulty swallowing. Examination revealed an enlarged left tonsillar fossa with grayish deposits extending towards the soft palate. Biopsy confirmed squamous cell infiltrating carcinoma of the tonsil. HPV typing demonstrated the presence of human papillomavirus type 16. An oncology consultation first included two courses of chemotherapy, resulting in partial improvement in the patient's general condition, followed by bio-radiotherapy. After bio-radiotherapy, the patient experienced pain relief, denied swallowing difficulties, and the tumor mass was significantly reduced, barely visible. Further monitoring and treatment continued as per the recommendations of the Oncology Consultation.
Publisher
Centre for Evaluation in Education and Science (CEON/CEES)
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