Lingual tonsillar hypertrophy: a case report.

The lingual tonsils, members of Waldeyer's ring, are often overlooked even in a thorough head and neck examination. A 39-year old man with one-year history of globus sensation was admitted to our clinic. In indirect laryngoscopic examination, symmetrical masses of lingual tonsillar tissue were detected, extending posteriorly from base of the tongue that was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. The patient refused surgical intervention. Acute inflammation and hypertrophy of lingual tonsil can cause life-threatening airway obstruction. In order to draw attention to this frequently unrecognized entity, we present a review of the literature and our case.