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[Submental swelling in an Ethiopian man]
L S Klunder1, M S Louwe1, A Vissink1
1the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG).
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Tandheelkunde
|September 10, 2025
Summary
A 27-year-old Ethiopian man developed a submental swelling after a molar extraction. Diagnosis confirmed extrapulmonary lymphogenous tuberculosis, highlighting the head and neck region as a common site for this infection.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant global health concern.
- Extrapulmonary TB can present with diverse clinical manifestations.
- Head and neck lymphadenopathy is a common presentation of extrapulmonary TB.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of extrapulmonary lymphogenous tuberculosis presenting as a submental swelling.
- To emphasize the importance of considering TB in the differential diagnosis of neck masses, even after dental procedures.
Main Methods:
- Clinical examination of a patient with a submental swelling.
- Intraoral examination of dentition.
- Microbiological examination including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
- Radiological assessment (chest X-ray).
Main Results:
- A 27-year-old man presented with a tender, firm submental swelling with central ulceration post-molar extraction.
- Systemic symptoms including fatigue, weight loss, night sweats, fever, headache, and cough were noted.
- PCR confirmed Mycobacterium tuberculosis, leading to a diagnosis of extrapulmonary lymphogenous tuberculosis.
- Chest X-rays were unremarkable.
Conclusions:
- Extrapulmonary lymphogenous tuberculosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of submental swellings, particularly in endemic areas or in patients with relevant travel history.
- Early microbiological diagnosis is crucial for effective management of TB.
- The head and neck region represents the most frequent site for extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
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