Orofacial tuberculosis--a 16-year experience with 46 cases

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical signs and symptoms of orofacial tuberculosis, with an emphasis on the importance of histologic diagnosis. Based on an evaluation of 46 patients, Andrade's classification is presented with a novel 10-point protocol for the management of orofacial tuberculosis.

Materials and methods: Forty-six patients were evaluated for orofacial tuberculosis over 16 years (1996 through 2011). All 46 patients were managed with a 10-point protocol for the care of orofacial tuberculosis.

Results: Forty-six cases with a positive diagnosis of orofacial tuberculosis were confirmed by histopathologic and other investigations specified in the 10-point protocol for the management of orofacial tuberculosis. The male:female ratio was 0.917, with no gender predilection. Most cases were seen in the second and third decades of life. A large number of patients (n = 22) presented with a lesion in relation to the angle of the mandible.

Conclusions: In a tuberculosis-prevalent country such as India, it is very important to be aware of tubercular lesions involving the orofacial region. Andrade's classification of orofacial tuberculosis helped classify different forms of tubercular lesions that may involve the orofacial region. The 10-point protocol formulated and applied to all 46 cases proved successful in the management of these cases.