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Published on: September 5, 2017
What happens when oral tuberculosis is not treated?
A E Erbaycu1, Z Taymaz, F Tuksavul
1Department of Chest Diseases and Tuberculosis, Izmir Training of Research Hospitalfor Thoracic Medicine and Surgery, Izmir, Turkey. drerbaycu@yahoo.com
Tuberculosis (TB) can manifest in the oral cavity, presenting as ulcers or masses. Early diagnosis and treatment of oral TB are crucial for patient recovery and preventing disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Oral Medicine
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) primarily affects the lungs but can involve other sites, including the oral cavity.
- Oral TB lesions, though uncommon, can mimic other conditions, delaying diagnosis.
Observation:
- A 50-year-old male presented with persistent lower lip lesions, initially diagnosed as "necrotising granulomatous inflammation."
- Extensive radiological findings included lymphadenopathy and pulmonary infiltrates with cavities.
- Biopsies of oral and laryngeal lesions confirmed necrotising granulomatous inflammation consistent with TB infection.
Findings:
- Sputum analysis was positive for acid-fast bacilli, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex was cultured.
- Combination TB treatment led to symptom relief, radiological improvement, and healing of lesions within two months.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering oral TB in patients with persistent oral lesions, even without typical pulmonary symptoms.
- Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for unusual TB manifestations to ensure timely diagnosis and effective treatment.
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