Primary Tonsillar Tuberculosis: Is it Really a Rare Entity?

Abstract

Background: Oropharyngeal tuberculosis (TB), including tonsillar TB, is rare in an immunocompetent adult. Tonsillar TB is more likely to occur as a result of pulmonary TB causing secondary inoculation of tubercle bacilli. The primary form of tonsillar TB without pulmonary TB has often been described as an extremely rare form of extra-pulmonary TB. Case Report: In this case study, we aim to illustrate an incidental finding of primary tonsillar TB in an immunocompetent adult presenting with asymmetrical tonsillar hypertrophy. At the same time, we included two other cases of oropharyngeal TB originating from our centre reported in the literature recently to highlight the likelihood that it may be much more common, especially in endemic parts of the world. Conclusion: Better awareness of this condition would constitute an early referral to the otorhinolaryngology team, which will enable timely treatment and complete recovery.

Keywords

• primary
• asymmetrical tonsils
• adult
• tuberculosi.