Exploring the oral manifestations of tuberculosis: A comprehensive analysis of prevalence and clinicopathological characteristics of oral lesions

Abstract

Background: The study aimed to report all cases of oral tuberculosis (TB), a rare manifestation of the fatal infectious disease primarily affecting the pulmonary system. The report also evaluated the clinicopathological characteristics of oral TB lesions. Methods: A total of 25 patients who presented with oral lesions between August 2013 and August 2023 were diagnosed with TB through surgical biopsy despite having no prior history of the disease. Their clinical symptoms, auxiliary examinations, treatments, and outcomes were recorded and analyzed for further study. Results: In a study of 25 patients with oral TB, all patients were found to have the disease, with 16 males and 9 females affected. The gender distribution was skewed toward males, with a 1.77 male-to-female ratio. Twelve cases of the affected sites were reported in the mandible, six cases in the buccal mucosa, four in the lips, two in the gingiva, and one in the tongue. The age range of affected patients was 0–70 years old, and all lesions were indicative of primary TB. The appearance of the affected mucosa varied, with ulceration and swelling being the most common manifestations. Conclusion: Patients who present with oral ulcerations and swellings should be evaluated for the possibility of TB. To confirm and differentiate this condition from other diseases, obtaining a biopsy specimen for histological analysis and performing acid-fast stains and cultures is recommended. These tests will enable a precise diagnosis and guide appropriate treatment.

Keywords

• acid-fast bacilli
• clinicopathological characteristics
• mandible
• oral manifestations
• tuberculosis