An unusual case of airway obstruction

An unusual case of airway obstruction is presented. A 56 year old woman was admitted with stridor. She gave a history of intermittent upper airway obstruction of four years' duration. Examination revealed gross hypertrophy of the lingual tonsils extending to involve the valleculae and the entire epiglottis. Histological examination confirmed the presence of normal lymphoid tissue. The patient underwent epiglottectomy and cryosurgery to the lingual tonsils with complete resolution of symptoms. A review of the literature is presented and the investigative and treatment modalities are discussed.