Abstract
Objective: Report a case of laryngeal tuberculosis in an immunocompetent patient who showed no changes in chest radiograph.
Method: Case report of laryngeal tuberculosis. Clinical findings are discussed and a review of the literature is made.
Results: The authors describe a case of laryngeal tuberculosis in a 50-year-old male patient who presented with a 3-month history of dysphonia, without improvement or worsening, with no other systemic signs or symptoms. ENT examination was unremarkable. Laboratory tests were normal, and sputum smear was negative for AFB. Laryngoscopy revealed a tumor in the left vocal cord, from which a biopsy was obtained, and AFB staining was positive. After being treated with DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment Short-course) therapeutic regimen for nine months, patient showed improvement in symptoms.
Conclusion: The authors emphasize the importance of suspecting the diagnosis of tuberculosis in patients who show malignant appearance lesions during laryngoscopic examination, even in the absence of classic clinical symptoms. Histological examination is essential for final diagnosis. Only early diagnosis and treatment are able to cure disease and prevent future complications.
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