title: Oral mucosal ulceration: a manifestation of previously undiagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Tuberculosis, or TB, is a chronic infectious disease that can affect any part of the body, including the mouth. Oral lesions may be the only finding of primary pulmonary TB, in which case proper diagnosis by dentists is vital.
  
  
  METHODS
  The authors present a case in which the patient sought treatment for a painful oral lesion. A histopathologic examination revealed characteristics of TB. Subsequently, pulmonary lesions were detected, and a diagnosis of pulmonary TB was confirmed. The patient underwent antituberculosis therapy, and his oral and systemic conditions improved rapidly.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although oral manifestations of TB are rare, clinicians should be aware of their possible occurrence in their patient populations. Such awareness can help diagnose TB at an early stage, thereby preventing complications and potential contaminations.
authors.affiliation: Ege University, School of Dentistry, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Bornova, Izmir, Turkey. baharsezer@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Bahar
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Sezer
authors.forename: Mert
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zeytinoglu
authors.forename: Umit
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Tuncay
authors.forename: Taha
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Unal
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000473:pathology; D019226:Oral Ulcer / Q000209:etiology*; D014375:Tuberculoma / Q000175:diagnosis; D014393:Tuberculosis, Oral / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*