Perforation of the hard palate due to tuberculosis

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) of the hard palate is rare and usually secondary to pulmonary TB. We present a case of a 7‑year‑old boy who presented with difficulty in swallowing solid foods, low‑grade fever and loss of weight. Oral cavity examination showed perforation of the hard palate with an irregular, undermined margin and a necrotic base. Chest X‑ray showed homogeneous opacity in the right upper zone. Fine‑needle aspiration of the cervical lymph nodes showed granular caseous necrosis and granuloma composed of epitheliod cells and histiocytes. In view of the clinical presentation and evidence of pulmonary and lymph node TB, the palatal perforation was most likely due to TB. Patient was started on antituberculous therapy and is on regular follow‑up.

Key Words: Hard palate, perforation, pulmonary tuberculosis, tuberculosis