Submasseteric Tuberculous Lesion of Mandible: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Tuberculosis is still a major health hazard in the developing world, while its incidence has recently started to escalate after decreasing for many years. It is a chronic granulomatous disease that can affect any part of the body, including the oral cavity. Oral lesions of tuberculosis, though uncommon, are seen in both the primary and secondary stages of the disease. This paper presents a case of tuberculosis of the submasseteric space, manifesting as a persistent swelling at ramus and angle of mandible. The diagnosis was confirmed based on histopathology after an open incisional biopsy. Patient underwent antituberculosis therapy and his extraoral swelling completely resolved after 4 months of the therapy. The purpose of this paper is to emphasize the importance of early and definitive diagnosis of orofacial tuberculosis, to recognize it based on signs and symptoms, and to refer the patients suspected of active tuberculous infection for appropriate medical treatment.