Head and Neck Manifestation of Tuberculosis

The aim of this study was to review cases of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis with head and neck involvement that presented at our clinic.

Data from 60 patients were analyzed. All patients were examined with respect to age, gender, symptoms, comorbidities, the head and neck regions sampled, the tuberculin skin test, acid-resistant staining, tuberculosis culture results, and histopathology examination reports.

The patients comprised 41 (68.3%) females and 19 (31.7%) males, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:2.1. The mean age of patients under 18 years was 11.44±4.13 years, and the mean age of patients over 18 years was 51.18±17.06 years. A statistically significant difference was determined between the age groups concerning left-side region 1 and right-side region 4 (p<0.05). Involvement of neck regions 1-2 was more common in patients under 18 years, and lymph node involvement of neck regions 2-3-4-5 was more common in patients over 18 years. There was no effect of gender on neck regions (p>0.05). Acid-resistant staining positivity was determined in only one patient. Of the patients with culture examinations, M. tuberculosis complex was identified in six.

If there are suspicious symptoms and findings in patients with a disease causing immunosuppression or who are using drugs that suppress the immune system, sampling must be performed to rule out tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is seen more often in female patients. When persistent necrotic lymphadenopathy is present in the submandibular region, especially in young patients, tuberculosis should be considered.