A Case Report of Palatal Ulcer: First Sign of Occult Tuberculosis

Abstract

Tuberculosis is a chronic granulomatous transmitting type of disease caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. It can affect any part of the body, including the oral cavity. Oral tuberculosis can be primary or secondary, In oral cavity, tongue, buccal mucosa, lip, and palate may involve. Here, the authors present a case of a 50-year-old male patient of tuberculosis of palate, manifesting as a non healing ulcer. The ulcer was present in the middle part of the palate, having undermined edge and a non indurated margin. Though it was tender on palpation, there was no evidence of palatal perforation or bony erosion on radiographic examination. A chest radiograph revealed consolidation in the apex and right upper zone, and Cartridge Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT) of sputum was positive, but biopsy of the lesion could not be performed because of problem in patient’s consent. The authors took a chance and started antitubercular drugs. They observed the changes of ulcer at regular intervals. No topical medication was given for the ulcer. After taking antitubercular drugs, the condition improved rapidly and The ulcer healed completely after completing the Intensive Phase (IP) only. Tuberculosis is a transmitting and fatal disease. Early diagnosis with proper treatment can prevent complications and the transmission of the disease to others.

Keywords

• extrapulmonary tuberculosis
• mycobacterium tuberculosis complex
• oral tuberculosis
• pulmonary tuberculosis