[Lesions of tuberculosis in the head and neck region: a retrospective analysis of 48 cases]

Abstract

Objectives: We evaluated patients who had been treated for head and neck tuberculosis.

Patients and methods: This retrospective study included 40 patients (28 males, 20 females; mean age 32.6 years; range 11 to 65 years) who had received treatment for tuberculosis of the head and neck region between January 2000 and June 2009. Clinical findings, treatment modalities, and the results of treatment were evaluated.

Results: Forty-one patients had cervical lymphadenopathy, two patients had parotid gland tuberculosis, two patients had nasopharyngeal tuberculosis, and three patient were diagnosed as tongue, tonsil and larynx tuberculosis respectively. Lymph nodes in the posterior triangle were found to be the most common region afflicted by tuberculosis lymphadenitis. Diagnosis was confirmed by excisional biopsy in all patients and lesions were resolved after antituberculosis chemotherapy.

Conclusion: Although different clinical presentations were seen, tuberculosis cervical lymphadenitis is the most common presentation of tuberculosis in the head and neck region. Tuberculosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of the neck mass and other head and neck lesions.