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Tonsillolith
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Tonsillolith

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Contributors: Eulalia Amador MD, Paul C. Bryson MD, MBA
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Synopsis

Tonsillolith : Halitosis, Tonsillar enlargement, Tonsillar exudates, Globus sensation, Dysphagia, Pharyngitis
Tonsilloliths, also known as amygdaloliths and tonsil stones, are white to yellowish pea-sized calcified collections of mucus, organic debris, and anaerobic bacteria (including Eubacterium, Fusobacterium, Porphyromonas, and Prevotella) found on the tonsil crypts. Tonsilloliths are more common in adults than in children, with an incidence rate of 7% in the general population.
 
They are typically asymptomatic. When symptoms do present, patients may complain of halitosis, dysphagia, globus sensation, cough, otalgia, dysgeusia, and pharyngitis. Examination may reveal tonsillar exudates and enlargement.

Codes

ICD10CM:
J35.8 – Other chronic diseases of tonsils and adenoids

SNOMEDCT:
6461009 – Amygdalolith

Look For

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Diagnostic Pearls

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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls

  • Oral candidiasis – white plaques that can be scraped
  • Foreign body
  • Keratin or mucous cyst
  • Acute tonsillitis – enlarged erythematous tonsils
  • Tonsillar abscess – a symmetric tonsillar pillar swelling and uvular displacement

Best Tests

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Management Pearls

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Therapy

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References

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Last Reviewed:03/04/2018
Last Updated:03/26/2018
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Tonsillolith
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A medical illustration showing key findings of Tonsillolith : Halitosis, Tonsillar enlargement, Tonsillar exudates, Globus sensation, Dysphagia, Pharyngitis
Copyright © 2023 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.