PP097: Tuberculosis of the buccal mucosa mimicking squamous cell carcinoma – Case report

Background Tuberculosis is an epidemic infectious disease that seldom takes an oral form. Because of the still increased incidence of tuberculosis (TBC) in our country, in the differential diagnosis of chronic oral ulcerations, tuberculosis should always be considered. Oral tuberculosis is frequently overlooked as a possible cause of oral ulceration. Therefore dentists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons should be aware of the possible occurrence of TBC of the oral cavity. The diagnosis of TBC should be considered whenever granulomatous ulcerations appear in the oral cavity. Case report We report a case of a heavy smoker male adult patient that emphasizes the importance of considering oral tuberculosis in the differential diagnosis of mucosal ulcerations. The patient was referred to our clinic by the dentist for a lesion adjacent to a recent molar extraction site. The lesion was an extensive ulceration from buccal mucosa to buccal sulcus and alveolar mucosa. The ulceroproliferative appearance of the lesion, with irregular borders and granular base, suggested a malignant nature. An oral biopsy was taken and the histopathological exam showed a tuberculous granulomatous inflammation with Langhans’s giant cells. The patient underwent specific tuberculostatic therapy, and his oral and systemic conditions improved rapidly. Conclusion Tuberculous lesions of the oral cavity may mimic squamous cell carcinoma more than other oral pathologies. When diagnosing oral ulcerations with non healing tendency, the dental and oral surgeons should actively pursue tuberculosis in the differential diagnosis. By avoiding the overlook of the tuberculous ethiology of oral ulcers, the oral surgeons can early detect tuberculosis and prevent further contamination.