An Ambiguous Presentation of Orofacial Tuberculosis – A Case Report and Review

• Shalini Nair,  
• Shahnaz Mahaboob,  
• Vikas Kuruvilla,  
• Aparna Vinod,*  
• Aiswarya Thoyakkat

Abstract

Tuberculosis is a prevalent systemic bacterial disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculous lymphadenitis remains the most common extra pulmonary manifestation of tuberculosis. Tuberculosis in the head and neck area can be varied and often misleading. We present a case of a 10 year old female patient with a recurrent swelling in her left submandibular region. She was diagnosed with tuberculous lymphadenitis based on histopathology report. Tuberculosis in the head and neck is not such a rare disease, but devoid of characteristic clinical and radiographic features, become a diagnostic challenge. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can thwart complications. Clinicians should be aware of the condition and take it into account in their differential diagnosis.

Keywords

Oral Tuberculosis, Tuberculous Abscess, Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis, Tuberculous Lymphadenitis, Orofacial Tuberculosis