• Korean Journal of Bronchoesophagology
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.57-60
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• 2011

Spontaneous tonsillar bleeding is a rare condition in ENT unit. Almost reported cases have been related to infection of tonsils. Prior to introduction of antibiotics, spontaneous tonsillar bleeding was usually related to superficial capsular bleeding due to acute or chronic tonsillitis. The presented case is a 36-year old healthy man without history of acute, chronic tonsillitis, and coagulation disorder who complained of dyspnea and oropharyngeal foreign body sensation after vomitting. Examination revealed a reddish polypoid mass of the right tonsil. Furthermore, the mass pushed uvula and tongue base, caused nearly total obstruction of oropharynx. All rountine laboratory test results were within normal limits. Computed tomography (CT) showed low density mass of attached in upper pole of right tonsil without enhancement. We performed tonsillectomy including the reddish polypoid mass under general anesthesia. The pathology revealed lymphoepithelial tissue with reactive hyperplasia. This is the first reported tonsillar hematoma presenting as a large oropharyngeal mass which was caused by vomitting.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.41-46
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• 1995

The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap represents a major contribution to head and neck cancer reconstruction. Its advantages are improved viability, one-stage reconstruction, and carotid protection. The oropharyngeal defect especially tonsillar area reveals valley shaped one with loss of a wide mucosal area. Using pectoralis major myocutaneous flap to this defect is sometimes difficult due to its natural figure of bulkiness. This article reviews our experience with patients undergoing 14 pectoralis major myocutaneous flap in carcinoma of the tonsillar area. Complications and their incidences were I total loss, 3 marginal loss, 2 minor seperation of suture, I wound infection and 2 hematoma. Most of the complications did not require a second procedure for reconstruction. Bulkiness of the flap and gravity force to the upper suture line were thought to be causes of the complications. Modification of the flap design with bilobular figure was useful to reduce its bulkiness at the folding area. More stable suture around hard palate was needed to overcome seperation of the suture.