Head and neck manifestations of tuberculosis

Abstract

TB is a serious communicable disease that causes 2 million deaths a year worldwide. It is estimated one third of the world's population is infected with TB. TB has proved difficult to eradicate. Laboratory testing also has been challenging, with as many as 19% of TB cases failing to show positive bacteriology tests. Head and neck masses and oral lesions always should be included in the differential diagnosis of TB, especially in high-risk patient populations. A combination of clinical suspicion, extensive laboratory analysis, and radiographic examination is invaluable in treating and preventing the spread of this insidious but deadly disease that has plagued mankind for ages.