Head and Neck Manifestations of Tuberculosis

Head and neck manifestations of tuberculosis (TB) are caused by the hematogenous or lymphatic spread of the bacteria to affect the larynx, oropharynx, maxillofacial structures, ear, mastoid, and cervical spine. Other cases of TB of the head and neck are from self-inoculation of open lesions of the aero–digestive tract with infected sputum. This article describes the history, epidemiology, bacteriology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of TB with emphasis on head and neck manifestations of this systemic disease.