Nasal tuberculosis--an update of current clinical and laboratory investigation.

Objective: To report a case of primary nasal tuberculosis, and to discuss the diagnostic difficulties encountered.

Setting: A teaching hospital in Norwich, UK.

Method: Case report and review of the English language literature concerning tuberculosis affecting the head and neck region.

Result: The diagnosis of nasal tuberculosis is based on: histological identification of granulomatous inflammation; positive testing for acid-alcohol resistant bacilli; and positive culture. Newer diagnostic tests have the advantage of speed and improved accuracy, but are not as yet completely evaluated for the diagnosis of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis.

Conclusion: It is important to consider nasal tuberculosis in the initial differential diagnosis. The quest to exclude a malignancy may lead to unacceptable delays in treatment.