Isolated Laryngeal Tuberculosis: a Diagnostic Dilemma

Area of Science:

• Otorhinolaryngology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pathology

Background:

• Laryngeal tuberculosis (LTB) is uncommon, with isolated cases lacking pulmonary involvement being exceptionally rare.
• Symptoms like voice change and dysphagia mimic laryngeal malignancy, complicating diagnosis.
• High prevalence of tuberculosis in regions like India necessitates considering LTB in differential diagnoses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of primary laryngeal tuberculosis without pulmonary disease.
• To highlight the importance of suspecting LTB in patients with laryngeal complaints and no respiratory symptoms.

Main Methods:

• Case presentation of a 24-year-old male with a year of hoarseness.
• Laryngoscopic examination revealing proliferative growth on the epiglottis, aryepiglottic folds, and vocal cords.
• Histopathological diagnosis confirmed granuloma and caseous necrosis, characteristic of tuberculosis.

Main Results:

• Histopathology confirmed laryngeal tuberculosis.
• The patient received standard antitubercular therapy.
• Significant clinical improvement was observed within six months of treatment.

Conclusions:

• Isolated laryngeal tuberculosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of laryngeal tumors, especially in endemic areas.
• Prompt diagnosis and treatment of LTB lead to excellent patient outcomes.
• Increasing incidence of tuberculosis warrants heightened clinical suspicion for LTB.