Tuberculosis cutis orificialis with underlying pulmonary tuberculosis in an immunocompetent man

Abstract

Tuberculosis cutis orificialis (TCO) is a rare form of tuberculosis more often secondary to pulmonary tuberculosis. TCO has varied differential diagnoses and thus results in delayed diagnosis and treatment leading to serious consequences. The diagnosis of TCO is confirmed by biopsy and nucleic acid amplification tests in majority of cases. We report a case of TCO with underlying pulmonary tuberculosis in a 50-year-old male, who presented with a painful nonhealing ulcer of the right buccal mucosa. Biopsy and real-time polymerase chain reaction helped in confirming the diagnosis. The patient was treated with antitubercular therapy.

Keywords

• mycobacterium
• oral ulcer
• tuberculosis