Extensive Inflammatory Gingival Tumor in a Young Nonsmoking Woman: Back to Basics

• Published in: The Journal of craniofacial surgery Vol. 26; no. 5; pp. e388 - e390
• Main Authors: Hajji, Farah, Beraud, Guillaume, Genay, Armel, Raoul, Gwenaël, Faure, Karine, Guery, Benoit, Ferri, Joël
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-07-2015
• Subjects: Adult; Dentistry; Diagnosis, Differential; Disease Progression; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Gingival Diseases - microbiology; Humans; Masticatory Muscles - microbiology; Muscular Diseases - microbiology; Oral Ulcer - diagnosis; Palatine Tonsil - microbiology; Tuberculosis - diagnosis; Tuberculosis, Oral - diagnosis
• ISSN: 1049-2275; 1536-3732
• DOI: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000001865

Tuberculous lesions of the oral cavity are rare and can be a diagnostic challenge, particularly in young immunocompetent patients. Most of the cases in the literature are secondary to pulmonary disease, whereas primary form is uncommon. This paper presents a case of gingival tuberculosis in a 26-year-old Indian female patient, manifesting as a rapidly extensive ulcer. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology and immunological investigations. Although oral manifestations of tuberculosis are rare, clinicians should include them in the differential diagnosis of various types of oral ulcers. An early diagnosis with a prompt treatment can prevent complications and potential contaminations.