Tuberculosis of the oral cavity, tongue: photo, manifestation, miliary-ulcerative tuberculosis, lupus

Oral tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by Koch's bacillus.

In most cases, it is secondary and is observed after damage to the lungs, bones and lymph nodes. People with weakened immune systems are especially susceptible to infection.

How is it manifested, what symptoms are observed

In most cases, you can get infected through the air or through the alimentary route.

According to data from WHO The risk that people infected with tuberculosis bacteria will develop tuberculosis in their lifetime is 5 to 15%. But people with weakened immune systems (with HIV, diabetes, tobacco smoking, malnutrition) are at a higher risk of the disease.

With a primary lesion, there are manifestations in the form ulcer with jagged edges. They are more compacted to the base and have yellow-gray layers. Gradually, the damaged area becomes larger, several pieces begin to merge into one. In shape, tuberculous ulcers resemble raspberries.

Much less often, additional painful sensations appear, the formation of ulcers, swelling and begin bleed gums.

In the photo, the symptoms on the tongue and oral mucosa:

Basically, this disease occurs repeatedly. There is a lesion of the nose, mouth, border of the lips. A large number of lupomas appears, which gradually develop into ulcers.

Additionally, the following manifestations of oral tuberculosis occur:

• trouble chewing food;
• taste preferences change;
• saliva is secreted uncontrollably;
• problems with speech.

During the period of exacerbations, strong painful sensations additionally arise, a person cannot eat normally. Due to the formation of wounds, it is not possible to speak normally.

Types and stages

Oral tuberculosis can manifest itself in 4 forms:

1. Primary tuberculosis. Most of the sick are children. Mycobacteria enter the body through wounds in the mouth. There are wounds with pus, which can break through over time.
2. Tuberculous lupus. Very common. The size of the ulcers is very small - about three millimeters. They are soft, yellow-red or red formations. Gradually, the wounds merge with each other.
3. Scrofuloderma. It is extremely rare and in most cases in young children. A special symptom that indicates this form is the formation of nodes. Gradually, they connect with the skin, as well as the oral mucosa. Then they become softer, pus begins to stand out from them.
4. Miliary ulcerative tuberculosis. It occurs with a severe form of the lungs and larynx. With pulmonary tuberculosis, damage to the larynx occurs. When you cough up phlegm, which is saturated with Koch's bacillus, microorganisms enter the oral cavity. The teeth, tongue and cheeks are affected.

In the photo, this and the symptoms of miliary-ulcerative form:

Lupus with tuberculosis:

Very often, the disease manifests itself on the face. Rashes can be complex and involve a large number of areas of the face.

In terms of symptoms, the disease is very similar to trophic ulcers, oral cancer. After diagnostics and testing, the doctor establishes an accurate diagnosis.

Re-lesion manifests itself as miliary-ulcerative tuberculosis or tuberculous lupus. In the latter case, when pressed with a glass slide, the red color becomes colorless. The primary elements of the lupoma are manifested. With the course of this infection, 4 stages are determined:

1. Infantile processes take place first. Swelling of the affected area appears, but the bumps have not yet appeared.
2. At stage 2, small tubercles appear. Then they start to merge. In appearance, they resemble the growth of warts.
3. The bumps begin to break through and deep wounds form. On the soft and hard palate, growths appear in the form of papillomas.
4. At the last stage of development, the process of scarring occurs. Hard, rough and dense scars appear.

There are some features of the manifestation of the disease, depending on the place of manifestation.

1. On the gum. Bumps and ulcers appear in this place. Damage to the bone tissue of the tooth occurs very quickly. Developing intensively periodontitis. The gums change their structure and can no longer properly hold the teeth.
2. On the lip. Modifications are taking place. There are problems with eating, it is difficult for a person to pronounce words. An inflammatory process occurs in the lymph nodes.
3. Tuberculosis oral cavity can develop into cancer, erysipelas, or candidiasis.

Diagnostic measures

Sometimes the disease is diagnosed by chance after being examined by a dentist. But it is recommended to contact an infectious disease specialist when the first symptoms appear. After the examination, the doctor prescribes the necessary examination and tests to establish a diagnosis.

At the initial stage, the infectious disease specialist finds out if the patient has contact with other people who are infected with tuberculosis.

The following studies are being carried out:

1. Biopsy of the edges.
2. X-ray of the lungs to determine the presence of lesions with a Koch stick. They can be both active and passive.
3. Children do the Mantoux test.
4. Microscopic examination of pus from ulcers. It is performed several times for a more accurate diagnosis.
5. If in doubt, a general blood test, a smear from the affected area is performed.

Treatment: Timeliness and Consistency Are Important

Since tuberculosis of the oral mucosa is an infection, treatment is carried out only in a hospital under the supervision of a doctor. It is very important to find the primary lesion.

It is necessary to carry out complex treatment, so the doctor prescribes anti-tuberculosis drugs, antiseptics.

Often there is a need for treatment by a dentist.

Local baths are used with chlorhexidine and anesthetics for pain relief, such as lidocaine. An important measure - oral cavity sanitation. Deposits are removed plaque and stone. If necessary, fillings are installed, treated caries and other diseases of the oral cavity.

Several types of drugs are used, since each of them acts differently on the body. Only complex treatment can completely eliminate the disease.

Additionally, the doctor recommends breathing exercises, physiotherapy and taking medications to enhance immunity.

In incomprehensible situations, when tuberculosis was not established accurately, no foci of infection were found on the lungs, they try to conduct a trial treatment with drugs to eliminate tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis treatment is carried out for a long time. In most cases, it lasts 3 to 6 months. After the patient is re-examined. If Koch's sticks are not found, only then the treatment is stopped.

With an advanced stage of tuberculosis, the infectious disease specialist prescribes surgical intervention. In this case, the affected area is removed. Indications for surgery:

1. In the presence of open wounds with a large amount of sputum and treatment for 6 months.
2. If the disease is life threatening.
3. Suspicion of the formation of cancer on the background of tuberculosis.

Forecasts and performance

In many ways, treatment depends on the stage of the disease.

The earlier the patient turns to the doctor for help, the more successful the treatment will be.

In the initial stages, a complex struggle leads to recovery. But the treatment does not end there. In the future, the patient needs to take preventive measures, undergo regular examinations and take measures to strengthen immunity. Only in this case can the recurrence of the disease be avoided.

At an advanced stage, the possibility of avoiding irreversible processes is very small. There may also be damage to other organs and systems in the body.

Prophylaxis

Tuberculosis is a disease that is often associated with conditions and lifestyles. Deteriorating socio-economic conditions and an increase in the number of homeless people lead to widespread infection.

For prevention purposes, the following measures must be taken:

1. Detection of the disease at the initial stage. To do this, you should regularly conduct a survey.
2. Timely primary vaccination in the first month of birth.
3. The use of drugs to enhance immunity.
4. Pay special attention to personal hygiene and strengthening the immune system.

The disease is always much easier to treat at the initial stage than when it is started.