Tuberculosis in Head and Neck Disorders
Summary
Tuberculosis in the head and neck encompasses the spectrum of extrapulmonary manifestations of Mycobacterium tuberculosis that affect structures from the cervical lymph nodes to the larynx, nasal cavity, oral cavity and middle ear. Though less common than pulmonary disease, head and neck tuberculosis can present with a variety of signs including lymphadenopathy, chronic ulcers, dysphonia and otalgia, often mimicking neoplastic or other infectious conditions. The pathogenesis involves haematogenous spread or direct extension from pulmonary foci, with immunological and environmental factors influencing localisation. Diagnosis is frequently delayed owing to non-specific symptoms and low clinical suspicion in low-burden settings. Advances in imaging, tissue-sampling techniques and immunodiagnostic assays have improved detection, yet histopathological confirmation remains the gold standard. Standard anti-tubercular therapy yields favourable outcomes, though treatment duration may be prolonged by complications such as fistula formation or hearing loss. Global burden persists, particularly in regions with high pulmonary tuberculosis prevalence and among immunocompromised individuals. Early recognition in otolaryngology practice is critical to reduce morbidity, prevent transmission and guide public health interventions.
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Tuberculosis in Head and Neck Disorders publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in tuberculosis in head and neck disorders across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Extrapulmonary tuberculosis: Tuberculosis infection occurring outside the lungs, affecting organs such as lymph nodes, larynx and middle ear.
Cervical lymphadenopathy: Enlargement or disease of the lymph nodes in the neck, often presenting as palpable masses.
Histopathological confirmation: Microscopic examination of tissue samples to identify characteristic granulomatous inflammation and mycobacteria.
Interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA): A blood test measuring immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens, used to detect latent or active infection.
Dysphonia: Impairment of voice quality, pitch or volume, commonly seen in laryngeal tuberculosis.
Odynophagia: Painful swallowing, which may indicate involvement of pharyngeal or laryngeal structures by tuberculosis.
References
- Clinical Study of Extrapulmonary Head and Neck Tuberculosis: A Single-Institute 10-year Experience. International Archives of Otorhinolaryngology (2015).
- ENT manifestations of tuberculosis: an important aspect of ENT practice. Pan African Medical Journal (2020).
- Nasopharyngeal tuberculosis: report of four cases and review of the literature. Pan African Medical Journal (2019).
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