SEER Inquiry System - Question 20031021 Details

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Produced: 06/16/2026 6:58 AM

Question 20031021

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Inquiry Details

References:

Pocket Atlas of Human Anatomy, 116. 4th ed

Question:

Primary Site--Head & Neck: What is the anatomical distinction among tonsillar fossa, tonsillar pillar, and tonsil NOS?

Discussion:

Operative findings describe a right tonsil three times the size of the left tonsil. Tonsil is dissected from the tonsillar fossa. There appeared to be no involvement of tumor below the tonsillar capsule.

Answer:

The tonsil lies in an indentation called the tonsillar fossa. The tonsillar fossa is bordered on either side by the tonsillar pillars. The tonsillar pillars are part of the supporting structure of the throat opening.

Code C09.9 [Tonsil NOS] as the primary site for the case above.

Cancer Site Category:

Head & Neck

Data Item Category:

Primary site

Other Category:

N/A

Year:

2003