Abstract

Unusual Case of Primary Tuberculosis of Left Parotid Gland

Parotid gland tuberculosis is a rare form of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis. It has no specific signs or symptoms, but it commonly presents as a slow-growing parotid mass. Tuberculosis of the parotid gland presents difficulties in diagnosis because of the similarity of the presentation to that of a neoplasm and it most commonly gets diagnosed after superficial parotidectomy. With no history of pulmonary tuberculosis and no relevant symptoms, diagnosis becomes difficult, such cases may get misdiagnosed and the patient may undergo unnecessary surgery. Hence, early and accurate diagnosis of parotid gland tuberculosis is of great significance because it can be treated medically. It is essential to include parotid tuberculosis in the differential diagnosis of parotid swelling. This paper presents a case of swelling of the left side of the face in which USG and FNAC results were inconclusive. Hence, a core needle biopsy was performed which gave the diagnosis of tuberculosis of the left parotid gland. Further QuantiFERON-T.B Gold test was done which was positive. Lastly, a chest X-ray was done which showed no significant abnormality. Based upon histopathological examination, chest X-ray, and QuantiFERON-T.B.Gold test final diagnosis of primary tuberculosis of the left parotid gland was made. The patient was put on an anti-tuberculosis drug regimen for six months and follow-up showed complete resolution of swelling with no recurrence after one year, suggesting a successful outcome.

• PDF