Which of the following is a tonsillolith?

A tonsillolith, commonly known as a tonsil stone, is specifically defined as a stone that forms within the tonsils. These stones are typically composed of debris such as dead cells, food particles, and bacteria that can become trapped in the crevices of the tonsils. Over time, this debris can calcify, leading to the formation of a hard mass, which is referred to as a tonsillolith.

Understanding the nature of tonsilloliths is important for recognizing their potential symptoms, such as bad breath, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing, and for differentiating them from other tonsil-related conditions. In contrast to other choices, inflammation, removal, and abscesses refer to different medical concepts and conditions related to the tonsils, but none of them describe a stone within the tonsil itself.