[On aspects of laryngeal tuberculosis]

In 1989-1998 the authors treated 50 patients (45 males and 5 females aged 21-68 years, mean age 46.2 years) with tuberculosis of the lungs and larynx. Pulmonary lesions were for the most part disseminated (58%) or infiltrative (24%). One patient had laryngeal tuberculosis combination with cancer of the laryngeal pharynx. Progression of the disease occurs frequently because of otorhinolaryngologists who make diagnostic errors when consulting patients who seek primarily their advice (60% of those with laryngeal tuberculosis) complaining about throat pain and hoarseness. In obscure cases, an attempt of antituberculosis treatment should be made.