[Tuberculosis of the tongue]

A case of coexisting tongue and pulmonary tuberculosis is presented. A 55 year old man, farmer, an alcohol abuser, suffered from respiratory symptoms infection was admitted to Dental Surgery Department because of carcinoma of tongue suspicion. His tongue was oedematous, stiff with numerous painful ulcerations. Thin-needle biopsy of the tongue revealed granuloma typical for tuberculosis. Chest x-ray examination revealed disseminated lesions and cavernous infiltration in the lungs. Tuberculosis of lungs and tongue was recognised. Antimycobacterial treatment was introduced. 2 weeks later, tuberculous bacilli were cultured. Excellent clinical and mainly-local (tongue) improvement has been achieved.