Primary tuberculosis of the nasopharynx: A rare case and literature review

Abstract

The isolated pulmonary involvement as well as upper respiratory tract involvement is declining in consequence of anti-tuberculosis treatment and vaccine programs. However, the incidence of tuberculosis is increasing in less developed and in some developed cities. A 56-year-old woman presented with 5-6 years history of nasal obstruction, sleep with open mouth, and snoring. The mass of the nasopharynx biopsy was performed under local anesthesia. The biopsy material?s histopathological examination showed features of tuberculosis and diagnosis confirmed as tuberculosis by the pathologists. Primary nasopharyngeal tuberculosis without the lung involvement is very rare; otorhinolaryngologists should keep in mind the possibility of tuberculosis in the differential diagnosis of nasopharyngeal mass as the incidence of tuberculosis in developed countries is steadily increasing.