Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology

Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology

Ipsilateral Oropharyngeal and Cervical Lymph Node Tuberculosis Simulating Oropharyngeal Malignancy with Regional Lymph Node Metastasis: A Case Report

Document Type : Case Report

Authors
V Sha Kri Eh Dam 1
Nusaibah Azman 2
1 Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Hospital Lahad Datu, Peti Surat 60065, 91110 Lahad Datu, Sabah, Malaysia.
2 Department of Pathology, Hospital Queen Elizabeth 1, Karung Berkunci No. 2029, 88586 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.
10.22038/ijorl.2025.85739.3877
Abstract
Introduction:
Tuberculosis (TB) is an important contagious disease and a major public health problem globally. It may manifest as pulmonary TB or primary or secondary extrapulmonary TB. Primary oropharyngeal TB is very rare and may mimic presentation of oropharyngeal malignancy especially in the negative initial TB workup.
 Case Report:
We would like to highlight a case of an elderly man presented with ipsilateral oropharyngeal mass and cervical lymph node (LN) enlargement, mimicking oropharyngeal malignancy with regional LN metastasis.
Conclusion:
History of TB contact, poor oral hygiene, and poor immunity should alert the possibility of oropharyngeal TB. Involvement of ipsilateral oropharyngeal structure and cervical LN may simulate presentation of oropharyngeal malignancy with regional LN metastasis. Tissue biopsy for histopathological examination and appropriate staining is considered gold standard for diagnosis of TB and excluding malignancy. It is an important communicable disease, thus notification and referral to infectious disease team should be done without delay.
Keywords
Tuberculosis
Oropharynx
Neoplasm
Subjects
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Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology
Volume 37, Issue 5
September and October 2025
Pages 287-290