Citation:Kariyawasam, A. G. T. A., Fonseka, C. L., Rasnayake, D., Singhapura, S. D. A. L., Sanjeewa, A. D. S., Hewavithana, J., Masakorala, N.D., Dahanayake, N.J. & Bodinayake, C. K. (2019). Extrapulmonary tuberculosis presenting as a dumbbell tumour of the chest wall. Galle Medical Journal, 24(1).
Date:2019-03-01
Abstract:
Tuberculosis gives rise to a significant impact on
the healthcare burden in tropical countries where
it can present in a variety of ways. The commonest
site of tuberculous infection is the lung, while
extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is observed
only among 15% to 20% of all cases mostly among
immune-suppressed patients (1). Musculoskeletal
system is one of the well-known sites for extra-
pulmonary TB which accounts for nearly 1% to 3%
of all TB cases (2-4). Chest wall tuberculosis is a
rare entity of musculoskeletal TB constituting only
1% to 5% of musculoskeletal TB (3, 4). These sort
of uncommon presentations are even rare among
young immune competent adults. Being such rare
we seldom suspect tuberculosis in young adults
with no predisposition and presenting with minimal
symptoms. Therefore, this case opens up new stream
of thinking which is crucial in early recognition
and early commencement of specific treatment for
a potentially fatal disease
