Tonsil histopathology in HIV-infected versus HIV-uninfected adults.

Ridwaan Essa,Kapila Hari,Shivesh Maharaj,Shahpar Motakef

doi:10.4102/sajhivmed.v20i1.936

Ridwaan Essa, Kapila Hari + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.4102/sajhivmed.v20i1.936

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Abstract

BackgroundThe relationship between HIV and tonsil malignancy has not been fully investigated and established. Both of these diseases prominently feature in the Otorhinolaryngology clinics.ObjectiveThere is minimal data available on the histopathology of tonsillectomy specimens in the HIV-infected population. This retrospective review compared tonsil histopathology between HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected patients.MethodsOf the 319 adult patients undergoing tonsillectomy (01 July 2005 to 30 June 2015), HIV results were available for 160. The histological findings were compared in the HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected subgroups. The effects of age, HIV status and CD4 count on the risk of malignancy were determined.ResultsThere were 86 patients who were HIV-infected and 74 were uninfected. Reactive lymphoid hyperplasia was the most common diagnosis in both groups (77%). Malignancies were diagnosed in eight HIV-infected and six HIV-uninfected patients, an insignificant difference.ConclusionThe majority of patients undergoing tonsillectomy had benign conditions. HIV status does not appear to be a specific risk factor for tonsil malignancies, but advanced age may be.

Highlights

In resource-rich centres, histopathology assessments are performed routinely on adult tonsillectomy specimens.[1]
There is minimal data on the histopathology of tonsillectomy specimens in the HIV-infected population
Tonsil histology should probably be reserved for patients with clinically suspicious lesions independent of HIV status

Summary

Introduction

In resource-rich centres, histopathology assessments are performed routinely on adult tonsillectomy specimens.[1]. Recent evidence suggests that HIV infection should be considered an additional risk factor for malignancy.[1] In view of the limited data in our setting, especially in the adult population where the prevalence of HIV infection is high (18% in the adult population),[5] we set out to determine whether tonsillar histological studies differed between the HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected patients. The relationship between HIV and tonsil malignancy has not been fully investigated and established. Both of these diseases prominently feature in the Otorhinolaryngology clinics

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Results

Discussion

Conclusion