Tuberculous cervical lymphadenitis: an unusual case.
A case is reported of a 52-year-old lady who presented with a swelling of the submental region of unknown aetiology mimicking a dental abscess. Following an excision biopsy of the lesion, the histopathology report revealed a mass of lymph nodes with granulomatous inflammation strongly suggestive of infective aetiology, most probably of mycobacterial (either tuberculosis or non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM)) origin. Cervical lymph node enlargement due to NTM remains a diagnostic challenge because of the inconsistent reliability of clinical and laboratory findings. We discuss the significance of caseating granulomatous inflammation in cervical lymphadenitis and provide a brief overview of tuberculosis and a comparison with NTM.


CONCLUSIONS
Dental surgeons can play an important role in the diagnosis and early treatment of many systemic conditions and they should be aware of the signs and symptoms of tuberculosis, as this is now an increasingly common condition, particularly amongst the immigrant population.
Kokosali
Kalliopi
K
Oral and Maxillofacial SHO, Manchester Dental Hospital, Higher Cambridge Street, Manchester M15 6SH, UK.
Lloyd
Richard E
RE
D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004977:Ethambutol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006101:Granuloma, Giant Cell / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D007538:Isoniazid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008199:Lymphadenitis / Q000175:diagnosis; D008875:Middle Aged; D009333:Neck; D012293:Rifampin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014388:Tuberculosis, Lymph Node / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy
D000995:Antitubercular Agents; D004977:Ethambutol; D007538:Isoniazid; D012293:Rifampin