[Tuberculous cheilitis revealing pulmonary tuberculosis]

Area of Science:

• Oral Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Dermatology

Background:

• Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant global health concern, primarily affecting the lungs.
• Oral cavity involvement in tuberculosis is exceptionally rare, often presenting diagnostic difficulties due to varied clinical presentations.

Observation:

• A case of a 42-year-old male patient with cheilitis is presented.
• The cheilitis was diagnosed as tuberculosis, a highly unusual site for the disease.

Findings:

• Tubercular cheilitis represents an uncommon manifestation of oral tuberculosis.
• The clinical polymorphism of oral tuberculosis can mimic other conditions, complicating diagnosis.

Implications:

• Increased awareness of rare oral tuberculosis presentations is crucial for timely diagnosis.
• Early detection of oral tuberculosis can prevent disease progression and transmission.
• This case underscores the importance of considering tuberculosis in the differential diagnosis of persistent oral lesions.