Oro-facial tuberculosis - Is it still an enigmatic entity?

Background and Aims: The objective of this study was to analyze and review the clinical and histopathological aspects of oro-facial tuberculosis.

Methods: Sixteen cases of oral mucosal biopsies diagnosed as granulomatous pathology consistent with tuberculosis were retrieved from the data base and clinical information and histopathological findings were analyzed retrospectively.

Results: Of the total 16 cases, 12 were males while 4 were females. The age ranged from 15-70 years (mean of 39.6 years). Buccal mucosa, as an involved site, was seen in 31% of cases, while tonsil and soft palate constituted 3 cases each. Duration of symptoms ranged from 01-12 months (mean of 5.3 months). Oral examination revealed ulceroproliferative lesions in majority of the cases. Of sixteen cases, six cases (37.5%) each primarily as well as secondarily involved oral cavity while in 25% (4/16) of cases the status could not be evaluated. On histopathology, caseating granulomas were seen in 7 of 16 cases (43.75%) and non-caseating granulomas were seen in rest 56.25% of cases. Ziehl Neelsen stain for acid fast bacilli was positive in 31.25% (5/16) of cases.

Conclusion: Though unusual, tuberculosis should always be included in the differentials of oral lesions in a country endemic to tuberculosis like India. Histopathological evaluation of the biopsy remains the indispensible tool to diagnose oro-facial tuberculosis.