Coexistent Cervical Tuberculosis and Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a Single Lymph Node Group: A Diagnostic Dilemma

Abstract

Primary cervical tuberculosis is uncommon, although its incidence has risen somewhat over the past few years. In this article, we describe a rare case in which the patient developed a dual pathology—cervical tuberculosis and a malignant squamous cell carcinoma—in a group of lymph nodes on one side of the neck. Initially, tuberculosis was diagnosed on the basis of histology and culture. However, when the patient did not respond to antituberculous drug therapy, a repeat biopsy detected the second pathology: squamous cell carcinoma. To the best of our knowledge, no such presentation has been previously reported in the world literature. We conclude that repeat biopsy might be required in cases of tuberculous cervical lymphadenopathy that do not respond to conventional antituberculous therapy.