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The changing pattern of laryngeal tuberculosis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

A. M. Hunter ,
J. W. Millar ,
A. J. A. Wightman  and
N. W Horne
A. M. Hunter*
Affiliation:
Chest Unit, and Department of Radiology, City Hospital, Edinburgh.
J. W. Millar
Affiliation:
Chest Unit, and Department of Radiology, City Hospital, Edinburgh.
A. J. A. Wightman
Affiliation:
Chest Unit, and Department of Radiology, City Hospital, Edinburgh.
N. W Horne
Affiliation:
Chest Unit, and Department of Radiology, City Hospital, Edinburgh.
*
Senior Register in Thoracic Medicine, Llanddough Hospital, Nr. Penarth, South Glamorgan CF6 1XX.
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Summary

Laryngeal tuberculosis is now an uncommon disease in the United Kingdom. A series of ten cases is reported. In contrast to the pre-chemotherapy era, when the disease was associated with advanced cavitated pulmonary tuberculosis and was highly infectious, it now presents in a manner similar to laryngeal carcinoma except that painful dysphagia is a prominent symptom. All such patients should have a chest X-ray carried out as part of their initial investigation. Sputum is almost always positive for tubercle bacilli on direct films. Direct laryngoscopy and biopsy are necessary if a carcinoma is suspected.

The change of pattern of the disease may be due to the fact that the larynx now usually becomes involved by haematogenous spread rather than by direct spread along the airways. Laryngeal tuberculosis is now no more infectious than pulmonary tuberculosis, and responds well to antituberculous chemotherapy. Symptoms resolve completely within three weeks if corticosteroids are given in combination.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 95 , Issue 4 , April 1981 , pp. 393 - 398
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1981

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