Tuberculosis and manifestations in the head and neck
Posted in General on May 7, 2010
As highlighted on MSN.com today, two people in Snohomish county have been recently diagnosed with multi-drug resistant tuberculosis. Multidrug resistant TBs is a bacteria that is highly infectious and easily communicable, and the incidence of TB infection is on the rise in the country. The bacteria typically affects the lungs and cause damage to lung tissue; however, other areas of the body can be affected. In the head and neck, TB can manifest as swollen neck lymph nodes, swollen salivary glands, or nasal/throat masses. Anyone who has come in contact with a known TB carrier and has symptoms such as persistent cough or shortness of breath should be evaluated by a health care professional. Any unusual masses in the head and neck that are seen in individuals with TB contacts should also raise suspicion for TB and also warrant evaluation by a health care provider.