Scrofuloderma of the Penis: Unveiling a Rare Case of Cutaneous Tuberculosis.

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major worldwide health concern, with 10.4 million new cases reported each year. Extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) accounts for 20% of all occurrences, with cutaneous tuberculosis (CTS) accounting for just 1-2%. Scrofuloderma is the most prevalent kind of secondary CTS, and it commonly starts in the underlying lymph nodes, bones, or joints.Here, we describe the case of a 35 years old man presenting with a solitary nodule necrotic ulcer that happens 4 days before going to the hospital. The skin biopsy from the lesion was suggestive of TB scrofuloderma. Scrofuloderma typically presents as subcutaneous nodules that ulcerate and form sinus tracts. Diagnosis is challenging, often requiring histopathological confirmation due to potential negative microbiological results. In this case, the atypical penile appearance and the patient's history of an invasive operation aided in the diagnosis. Diabetes mellitus-related immune weakness increased the patient's susceptibility to cutaneous tuberculosis. This case demonstrates the wide range of cutaneous tuberculosis presentations and the significance of extensive diagnostic techniques, particularly in unusual patients. It also emphasizes the increased risk of tuberculosis in immunocompromised people, such as those with diabetes mellitus.