[Tonsillar malignant melanoma presenting as sore throat and tonsillar mass: a case report and literature review].

A 44-year-old man presented with a history of recurrent sore throat for over one month. Physical examination revealed an ulcerative lesion on the right tonsil with pseudomembranous exudate, and flexible laryngoscopy revealed an irregular surface of the left tonsil. Acute tonsillitis was initially suspected, with tonsillar neoplasm considered in the differential diagnosis. Despite three days of antimicrobial therapy, symptoms failed to improve. The patient was subsequently admitted and underwent right tonsillectomy; histopathological examination confirmed malignant melanoma of the tonsil. This case highlights that ulcerative tonsillar lesions, particularly those refractory to anti-infective therapy, should prompt consideration of malignant melanoma and warrant timely tissue diagnosis.