Journal of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology of Shandong University ›› 2025, Vol. 39 ›› Issue (6): 138-143.doi: 10.6040/j.issn.1673-3770.0.2024.020

• Original Article • Previous Articles    

Misdiagnosis of lingual tuberculosis: a case report and literature veview

SUN Shuo1, YUAN Tiejun2, CHEN Yao2, QI Lingling3, HAN Rongrong2   

  1. 1. School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, Shandong, China2. Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang 261044, Shandong, China 3. Department of Acupuncture and Massage, People's Hospital of Weifang High-tech Industry Development Zone, Weifang 261205, Shandong, China
  • Published:2025-11-19

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Abstract: Objective To discuss the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and reasons for missed diagnosis of the extremely rare lingual tuberculosis to provide a clinical reference for otolaryngologists. Methods The clinical data of 1 case of with lingual tuberculosis were reviewed. We analyzed the clinical characteristics and the reasons why it was easily missed. Results The clinical manifestations of Lingual Tuberculosis are atypical, systemic symptoms are rare, the rate of misdiagnosis and underdiagnosis is extremely high, and the confirmation of the diagnosis still needs to rely on pathological examination. Regarding treament, systemic anti-tuberculosis agents are the mainstay of therapy. Conclusion Tuberculosis of the tongue is a rare and difficult disease to diagnose and is easily misdiagnosed as cancer of tongue base. Histopathology combined with tuberculosis-related ancillary tests could help improve the diagnostic yield and must be taken into account in our early differential diagnosis.

Key words: Tuberculosis, Tongue, Ulcer, Extrapulmonary tuberculosis, Misdiagnosis, Underdiagnosis

CLC Number: 

  • R529.8
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