# Unilateral Tonsillar Swelling in a 52-Year-Old Heterosexual Greek Male With Secondary Syphilis: A Case Report Emphasizing the Main Histopathological Differential Diagnosis

## TL;DR

A 52-year-old man with syphilis had one swollen tonsil, and the case highlights the importance of considering syphilis in such diagnoses.

## Contribution

The case emphasizes tonsillar syphilis as a rare but important differential diagnosis in unilateral tonsillar swelling.

## Key findings

- The patient's unilateral tonsillar swelling was linked to secondary syphilis.
- Intramuscular penicillin therapy was effective in managing the condition.
- The report advocates for increased awareness of tonsillar syphilis among healthcare providers.

## Abstract

This case report describes the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of a 52-year-old Greek male with unilateral tonsillar swelling and concomitant syphilis, emphasizing the key histopathological differentials. The patient presented with a longstanding unilateral right tonsillar enlargement, and further evaluation revealed syphilis as the underlying disease. The management included intramuscular penicillin therapy and close follow-up with dermatology and otolaryngology specialists. This report aims to raise awareness among healthcare providers, particularly pathologists, about considering tonsillar syphilis in the differential diagnosis of tonsillar abnormalities, especially in patients at increased risk for syphilis infection.