A Diagnostic Challenge: Toxoplasmosis Masquerading as Tonsillar Neoplasm

Amir Hamud, Alexander Brodsky, Riad Khnifes

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This case report elucidates an uncommon manifestation of toxoplasmosis characterized by an ulcerative oropharyngeal lesion and cervical lymphadenopathy, which intriguingly simulated a tonsillar neoplasm. The patient, a 28-year-old immunocompetent woman, reported symptoms such as a persistent sore throat, unilateral neck pain, and otalgia. Despite the initial clinical impressions, a diagnostic left subtotal tonsillectomy revealed no malignancy but marked acute and chronic inflammation. A comprehensive investigation subsequently indicated a recent primary infection with Toxoplasma gondii, as evidenced by the presence of high IgM antibodies and low IgG avidity. This unique case underlines the significance of incorporating toxoplasmosis into the differential diagnosis of oropharyngeal lesions, thereby necessitating a meticulous approach to laboratory testing. Laryngoscope, 134:1741–1743, 2024.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1741-1743
Number of pages3
JournalLaryngoscope
Volume134
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2024
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 The Authors. The Laryngoscope published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.

Keywords

  • head and neck
  • infection
  • laryngology
  • neck
  • oropharynx

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Otorhinolaryngology

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