Primary oral tuberculosis - A case report

Tuberculosis is a chronic granulomatous disease which affects the lungs in majority of the cases. Oral manifestations of tuberculosis (TB) are seen both in primary and secondary stages of the disease but are most commonly associated with secondary TB. Primary oral TB is a rare entity and thus may pose a diagnostic challenge. This case reports isolated primary TB of the lower lip associated with an intraoral long-standing nonhealing ulcer present in a 12-year-old child. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological, hematological, and radiographic investigations. The lesion resolved with anti-tubercular treatment regimen. The case highlights the importance of clinician awareness toward oral lesions, which may present themselves without any symptoms and/or signs of systemic disease.