Related Experiment Videos
Primary tuberculosis of tongue
Ghulam Ali Memon1, Imdad A Khushk
1Department of Plastic Surgery and Allied, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Pakistan. cpsphyd@hyd.paknet.com.pk
Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons--Pakistan : JCPSP
|November 1, 2003
Summary
Tuberculosis of the tongue is rare, but this case highlights its potential for misdiagnosis. Prompt diagnosis and anti-tubercular therapy led to a full recovery for a patient with a persistent tongue ulcer.
Area of Science:
- Oral Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Pathology
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant global health concern, primarily affecting the lungs.
- Oral manifestations of tuberculosis are uncommon, often presenting as secondary lesions.
- Primary tuberculosis of the tongue is exceedingly rare, posing diagnostic challenges.
Observation:
- A 55-year-old female presented with a year-long, non-healing ulcer on the dorsum of her tongue.
- Initial biopsies showed non-specific inflammation, delaying definitive diagnosis.
- Surgical intervention preceded the final histopathological confirmation of primary tuberculosis of the tongue.
Findings:
- Histopathological examination after surgery confirmed primary tuberculosis of the tongue.
- The patient received a standard nine-month course of anti-tubercular therapy.
- The treatment resulted in an uneventful and complete recovery.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering rare diagnoses like primary oral tuberculosis in persistent, non-healing tongue lesions.
- It highlights the limitations of initial biopsies in identifying unusual infections.
- Early and accurate diagnosis followed by appropriate anti-tubercular treatment is crucial for favorable outcomes in oral TB.