Cartilaginous Choristoma of the Palatine Tonsil: A Rare Histopathological Entity

Abstract

Background: Cartilaginous choristoma is a benign lesion defined as the presence of mature cartilage in an ectopic anatomical site. Its occurrence within the palatine tonsil is extremely rare and usually detected incidentally on histopathological examination of tonsillectomy specimens. Case Presentation: A 23-year-old female presented with recurrent sore throat and tonsillar enlargement since childhood. Clinical examination revealed Grade III congested tonsils, and the patient underwent bilateral tonsillectomy. Gross examination showed multiple grey-brown soft tissue fragments. Microscopically, tonsillar tissue displayed reactive lymphoid hyperplasia with stratified squamous epithelial lining, surface ulceration, and focal mature hyaline cartilage surrounded by fibrous tissue without atypia. A diagnosis of cartilaginous choristoma of the tonsil in the background of chronic tonsillitis was made. Conclusion: Although rare, tonsillar cartilaginous choristoma is a benign heterotopic lesion. Awareness of this entity is essential to avoid confusion with neoplastic cartilage-forming tumours and to expand understanding of developmental anomalies in tonsillar pathology.