TITLE:
Laryngeal Tuberculosis and Laryngeal Cancer: Two Similar Diagnoses in an Elderly Person in Tuberculosis-Endemic Area
AUTHORS:
Ndeye Amy Sarr, Daouda Thioub, Ndiassé Ndiaye, Agbogbenkou Tevi Déla Lawson, Sylvie Audrey Diop
KEYWORDS:
Tuberculosis, Laryngeal, Dysphonia, Senegal
JOURNAL NAME:
Case Reports in Clinical Medicine,
Vol.12 No.8,
August
17,
2023
ABSTRACT: Laryngeal tuberculosis is a rare form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, often complicating pulmonary tuberculosis that may be unrecognized. Its clinical presentation is nonspecific, often pointing to cancer. We report the case of a 77-year-old woman, with no reported pathological history. She also has no alcohol or tobacco intoxication, who presented with chronic dysphonia evolving for 2 months, associated with an altered general condition. The examination of the larynx by direct laryngoscopy and anatomical pathology study of the biopsies led to the diagnosis of laryngeal tuberculosis. A search for secondary sites revealed a concomitant pulmonary infection. The evolution was favorable under standard anti-tuberculosis treatment, with complete voice recovery and improved performance status. Laryngeal tuberculosis should be suspected in patients living in endemic areas and suffering from chronic dysphonia, even if they are not alcoholics or smokers.