Tonsillolith

Tonsillolith (tonsil stone) is calcified debris within tonsillar crypts, presenting with foul breath, foreign-body sensation, white/yellow extrusion, and recurrent throat discomfort. Treatment: saline gargles; irrigation; manual removal with cotton swab; treat chronic tonsillitis; tonsillectomy if recurrent/severely symptomatic/halitosis refractory; reassure benign; rarely neoplasm.

Common Symptoms

Foul breath; white/yellow extrusions; foreign-body sensation; recurrent throat discomfort

Causes and Pathogenesis

Debris/bacteria calcify in tonsillar crypts, forming tonsilloliths.

Treatment

Saline/irrigation; manual removal; treat chronic tonsillitis; tonsillectomy if refractory

Preventive Measures

Oral hygiene; saline gargles; treat chronic tonsillitis.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the ENT department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.