Primary labial tuberculosis: a rare presentation

Abstract

Tuberculosis is one of the oldest scorches of mankind that has not left this world even today. The disease is more common in the developing countries. Oral tuberculosis has been considered in 0.1-5% of all tuberculous infections. Mostly, the oral tuberculous lesions are secondary to pulmonary tuberculosis, but rarely primary lesions may occur. Primary lesions occur due to direct inoculation of the microorganism into the oral mucosa and mainly seen in the young individuals. Tongue is the most common oral site involved. Of all the sites involved, labial involvement is extremely rare. This case report intends to throw light on one such unique case, where a young male patient presented with a primary tubercular lesion of the lip. The lesion resolved immediately after anti tubercular therapy.

Keywords: Granulomatosis; Labial; Oral; Tuberculosis.

Figure 1

Pretreatment extraoral photograph revealing ulceration, crusting, and bleeding from lower lip and granulomatous lesion on gingiva

Figure 2

Intraoral pretreatment photograph showing ulceration on floor of mouth and gingival inflammation

Figure 3

Photomicrograph revealing chronic granulomatous lesion

Figure 4

Ziehl-Neelsen stain section revealing acid-fast bacilli as red stained rod like structures

Figure 5

Two months post-treatment photograph showing healed lesions