Tuberculous Parotitis: A Forgotten Entity

Abstract

The clinical presentation of granulomatous lesions of the salivary glands can be misdiagnosed in the light of their infrequent occurrence in a general otolaryngologic practice. The differential diagnosis includes inflammatory conditions, immunologic disorders, trauma, cysts, systemic disorders and neoplasms. Preoperative diagnosis is difficult, as the disease can be mistaken for a neoplasm. Fine needle aspiration biopsy, computerized tomographic scan analysis, sialography, and chest radiography can give nonspecific results, especially in the absence of history of pulmonary tuberculosis. 1 We report a case of tuberculosis of the parotid gland presenting as a parotid mass. The otolaryngologic manifestations of tuberculosis will be discussed.

Tuberculosis of parotid gland masquerading parotid neoplasm

“…[12] Isolated involvement of parotid gland by mycobacterium is rare. [10111213] Salivary gland infection is believed to be direct extension of the bacilli from the oral cavity via the gland ductal system (due to preceding tooth or tonsil infection).…”

“…[1234] It is generally overlooked by clinicians and otolaryngologists (even in countries where tuberculosis is endemic) with most of cases undergoing unnecessary surgeries. [456789] Correct radiological interpretation can help in differentiating tuberculous involvement from benign neoplasms (pleomorphic adenoma) with which it is commonly confused.…”

A Misdiagnosis Led to an Extensive Skull Base Surgery: Infratemporal Tuberculosis Mimicking Giant Cell Tumor

“…These patients may undergo unnecessary extensive operations [3]. Here, we present a case of infratemporal tuberculosis that mimicked giant cell tumor.…”

Parotid tuberculosis: a forgotten suspicion (a case report and literature review)

“…TB is a granulomatous disease with different clinical appearances that in most cases is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis 2–5 . Any organ can be involved, but the lungs are usually involved.…”