Oro-facial tuberculosis - Is it still an enigmatic entity?

The objective of this study was to analyze and review the clinical and histopathological aspects of oro-facial tuberculosis.

Sixteen cases of oral mucosal biopsies diagnosed as granulomatous pathology consistent with tuberculosis were retrieved from the data base and clinical information and histopathological findings were analyzed retrospectively.

Of the total 16 cases, 12 were males while 4 were females. The age ranged from 15-70 years (mean of 39.6 years). Buccal mucosa, as an involved site, was seen in 31% of cases, while tonsil and soft palate constituted 3 cases each. Duration of symptoms ranged from 01-12 months (mean of 5.3 months). Oral examination revealed ulceroproliferative lesions in majority of the cases. Of sixteen cases, six cases (37.5%) each primarily as well as secondarily involved oral cavity while in 25% (4/16) of cases the status could not be evaluated. On histopathology, caseating granulomas were seen in 7 of 16 cases (43.75%) and non-caseating granulomas were seen in rest 56.25% of cases. Ziehl Neelsen stain for acid fast bacilli was positive in 31.25% (5/16) of cases.

Though unusual, tuberculosis should always be included in the differentials of oral lesions in a country endemic to tuberculosis like India. Histopathological evaluation of the biopsy remains the indispensible tool to diagnose oro-facial tuberculosis.