Oral tuberculosis mimicking a traumatic denture ulcer.

Area of Science:

• Oral Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Pathology

Background:

• Oral tuberculosis is a rare condition that can present as a non-healing ulcer.
• It is often overlooked in the differential diagnosis of oral lesions, especially in denture wearers.
• Misdiagnosis and delayed treatment can lead to incorrect management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of oral tuberculosis mimicking a traumatic denture ulcer.
• To highlight the importance of considering oral TB in the differential diagnosis of persistent oral lesions.
• To describe the diagnostic and management approach for oral TB in a complete denture wearer.

Main Methods:

• A case report of a 66-year-old male patient with complete dentures presenting with a non-healing upper lip ulcer.
• Clinical examination, partial excisional biopsy, and histopathologic examination.
• Chest radiography to evaluate for pulmonary tuberculosis.

Main Results:

• Histopathology confirmed granulomatous inflammation consistent with tuberculosis.
• Chest radiograph revealed consolidation and cavitation in the upper lobes, indicating pulmonary TB.
• The oral lesion was diagnosed as oral tuberculosis.

Conclusions:

• Oral tuberculosis can present atypically, mimicking common oral conditions like traumatic ulcers.
• Biopsy and histopathological examination are essential for accurate diagnosis of oral TB.
• Prompt diagnosis and appropriate anti-tuberculosis treatment are critical for successful management.