Incidental finding of isolated uterine cervix tuberculosis with successful management: A case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Cervical tuberculosis is an uncommon condition which accounts for 0.1-0.65 % of all cases of tuberculosis (TB). In women with genital TB, four major presenting complaints are described with varying frequencies: infertility, abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, and amenorrhea. As with other parts of the female genital tract; there are no macroscopic changes in the cervix that are specific for TB. The diagnosis of TB is based on the identification of M. tuberculosis. The treatment of tuberculosis of the cervix is essentially based on antibacillary bactericidal drugs and surgical management based on indication. This case is important because there are few case reports in the world, and it is among the few case to be reported from Ethiopia. CASE PRESENTATION: Here we present a 45-year-old female patient presented with odorless whitish vaginal discharge and pelvic pain, she was diagnosed with cervical cancer clinically but histomorphologic examination confirms the diagnosis of primary uterine cervix tuberculosis. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: TB is a bacterial infection frequently seen in less developed countries. It is a frequent cause of chronic pelvic inflammation and infertility. Tuberculosis of the cervix may occur as a primary infection or secondary (in which case the primary focus would have healed). Approximately one third of cases are culture negative. Therefore, the presence of typical granulomata is sufficient for diagnosis if other causes of granulomatous cervicitis are excluded or a primary focus identified. CONCLUSION: Uterine cervix is an uncommon genital location for tuberculosis. There are no macroscopic changes in the cervix that are specific for TB and it can mimic cervical cancer clinically. A definitive diagnosis of TB requires isolation of tubercle bacilli. It should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with non-specific lower genital tract complaints. Close collaborations between clinicians and diagnosticians is essential in accurately diagnosing and managing this rare condition.