Tonsillar Kaposi's Sarcoma: Case Report and Review of Literature

Kaposi's sarcoma is a tumor of vascular connective tissue that has been linked to human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) infection. Kaposi's sarcoma of the tonsil is a rare presentation that has been described in both HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients. Here we describe a patient with enlarged tonsils revealing bilateral tonsillar Kaposi's sarcoma. The patient presented with sore throat, facial pain, and cervical lymphadenopathy. He underwent bilateral tonsillectomy and was diagnosed with Kaposi's sarcoma. Immunohistochemical stains confirmed the presence of HHV-8. Due to rare involvement of the tonsils, a review of the literature was performed to describe common findings in patients with tonsillar Kaposi's sarcoma. We conclude that common symptoms associated with tonsillar Kaposi's sarcoma are a mass in the tonsillar fossa accompanied by sore throat, dysphagia and cervical lymphadenopathy. We encourage physicians to include Kaposi sarcoma in the differential diagnosis of tonsillar masses, especially in high risk patients and to be aware of symptoms associated with its presentation.