Abstract
We have treated 8 patients with tuberculosis in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of Kimitsuchuo Hospital during the past 2 years.
The patients ranged in age from 29 to 70 years (average 53.8 years). Anti-tuberculous chemotherapy was administered to all 8 patients. Seven were cured, but one died of pulmonary tuberculosis.
Four of the 8 patients, including all of those with tuberculous otitis media, also had pulmonary tuberculosis, but most of those with tuberculous cervical lymphadenitis did not have pulmonary tuberculosis. Their painless cervical swelling made it difficult in some cases to differentiate tuberculosis from malignancy.
A carefully taken personal history is important. The diagnosis should be confirmed with X-ray examination, but finally histopathological studies are required.
Early diagnosis and treatment are mandatory.
