Primary small cell carcinoma of tonsil: A rare case with review of literature

Abstract

Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) that originates in the tonsil is extremely rare and carries a poor prognosis. Only a few cases of this tumor have been reported so far. Here, we describe a 60-year-old woman who presented with throat pain and dysphagia for about 3 months. Computed tomographic scan revealed a 4 cm × 2 cm tumor with moderate enhancement in the right tonsil and a neck mass in the right level II. A biopsy of the tonsillar mass was performed, and histologic examination revealed oval-to-elongated tumor cells arranged in sheets, having hyperchromatic nuclei, inconspicuous nucleoli, and scant cytoplasm. Prominent nuclear molding and mitotic figures were readily identified. Immunohistochemical staining showed that tumor cells were strongly positive for synaptophysin, chromogranin, and CK7. A diagnosis of primary small cell NEC of the right tonsil was obtained.

Keywords

• immunohistochemistry
• neuroendocrine carcinoma
• small cell carcinoma
• tonsil