Boon that Resolves Microscopic Puzzle

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Immunohistochemistry plays a major role to confirm the accurate diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma B cell type -Tonsillar fossa. Case Presentation A 65 year old male presented with blocking sensation in the throat, dysphagia and loss of appetite with loss of weight since 2 months. Video laryngoscopic examination revealed a growth in the right tonsil. Contrast enhanced CT neck showed well defined mass in the tonsillar fossa with multiple enlarged lymph nodes in right submandibular and para tracheal region. Biopsy showed predominantly necrotic tonsillar tissue with lymphoid cells showing angiocentric distribution along with few bizarre cells. The differential diagnosis was Lymphoma and Poorly differentiated carcinoma. Immunohistochemistry was done which showed the neoplastic cells positive for CD 20 and negative for CD 3 and cytokeratin. A diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma B cell type-Right tonsillar fossa was made. The patient was referred to medical oncology for chemotherapy. Conclusion: We present this case to highlight the role of immunohistochemistry to arrive at the accurate diagnosis and management of the patient.