Submandibular Gland Tuberculosis: A Literature Review and Update

Submandibular salivary gland is an uncommon and unusual site for tuberculosis. It is a rare extrapulmonary manifestation of a common infection caused by Mycobacterium tubercle bacillus. Submandibular gland TB can be due to primary or secondary infection. The clinical features are non-specific and depend on its manifestations. A delay in diagnosis is common because of the rarity of disease. Direct histological examination is the best method of diagnosis. As the disease is curable with antituberculous drugs; treatment should not be withheld in suspected cases until the diagnosis is confirmed. Surgery is indicated for non-responsive disease and complications. Till date, only 15 cases have been reported in the literature. First case was reported in the year 1990. The authors encountered three cases in last 10 years. The aims of this study are to review clinical presentation, epidemiological features, diagnostic methods and to provide our data and guidelines for optimum management of this rare pathology.