title: A clinicopathological study of cutaneous tuberculosis at Dibrugarh district, Assam.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Cutaneous tuberculosis forms a small subset of extra pulmonary tuberculosis and has a worldwide distribution.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The present study is an attempt to find out the incidence, clinical spectrum, and histopathological features of cutaneous tuberculosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 42 cases of newly diagnosed patients of cutaneous tuberculosis attending dermatology out patient department over a period of 1 year were included in the study. A detailed clinical examination and investigations including histopathological examination were carried out.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Scrofuloderma was the most common form seen in 50% cases followed by lupus vulgaris in 42.86%, tuberculosis verrucosa cutis in 4.76%, and lichen scrofulosorum in 2.38% cases. The Mantoux test was positive in 83.33% cases. Characteristic tuberculoid granulomas were seen in 72.22% cases of lupus vulgaris, 42.86% cases of scrofuloderma and all cases of tuberculosis verrucosa cutis and lichen scrofulosorum.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cutaneous tuberculosis is still highly prevalent in upper Assam. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent its complications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences, Gangtok, India.
authors.forename: Binod Kumar
authors.initials: BK
authors.lastname: Thakur
authors.forename: Shikha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Verma
authors.forename: Debeeka
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hazarika