Laryngeal Tuberculosis : A Report of Two Cases

Handling Laryngeal Tuberculosis while Taking Measures to Contain Hospital Infection

Abstract

The decline of tuberculosis has resulted in laryngeal tuberculosis becoming rare. We observed only two cases of laryngeal tuberculosis during the past 10 years. A chief complaint of this malady was hoarseness. The patients' chest x-rays showed abnormality. One case had an ulcer lesion in the false vocal fold, and the other had white and granulomatous lesions in the vocal fold and epiglottis. A stroboscopic examination was performed on the case which had a pathological change in their vocal cords. Stroboscopic finding were useful in assessing the presence of laryngeal cancer. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was discharged in the phlegm of one of the cases. As a result, tuberculosis infection in our hospital became a concerm. From experience of two cases, strategies were given consideration to prevent such an infection from spreading through the hospital when a case of laryngeal tuberculosis was suspected. A patient who has a pathological change to their larynx and has a cough is recommended to take a chest x-ray at an early stage. Medical practitioners should presently refresh their knowledge about tubercular diagnosis and prevention.