Extranodal Tuberculosis of Head and Neck: A Series of 29 Cases

Abstract

Background: Despite a re-increase in the incidence of tuberculosis, extranodal location on head and neck remains rare. Clinical symptomatology is non-specific and even data from paraclinical explorations often pose the problem of differential diagnosis with tumor pathology. Methods: We report a series of 29 cases of extranodal tuberculosis collected over a period of 32 years [1986-2018] in ENT department of the military hospital of Tunis. Results: Rhinosinusopharyngeal involvement was predominant (45%) followed by glandular involvement (14%). Diagnosis was histopathological in most cases. Concomitant pulmonary tuberculosis was detected in two cases and spinal lumbar in one case. Treatment was medical in all cases. Conclusion: Clinical presentation of extranodal tuberculosis is various and non-specific. Neoplastic pathology is the main differential diagnosis. However, diagnosis should be systematically raised in endemic countries. Treatment is essentially medical.