Paraphayngeal Primary Tuberculosis Manifesting as Submucosal Oropharyngeal Tumor: A Case Presentation and Litterature Review

Although tuberculosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, primary tuberculosis of the oropharynx is rare, accounting for only 0.05% to 5% of all tuberculosis cases. The upper respiratory tract is resistant to tuberculosis, mainly due to the presence of saliva which, in addition to its cleansing action, has an inhibitory effect on tubercle bacilli. The symptoms of oropharyngeal tuberculosis may resemble a malignant tumour, particularly in elderly patients. Confirmation of primary parapharyngeal tuberculosis requires histological examination and a search for negative koch's bacilli in negative bronchial secretions. Treatment is antituberculosis.