Head and neck manifestations of mycobacteria in the absence of pulmonary disease.

Mycobacterial infections, once relatively rare in North America have recently shown an upsurge with the influx of Asian and African immigrants. The infections are usually due to M. tuberculosis and present with pulmonary symptoms. However, an uncommon presentation is that of a mass in the head and neck region without any pulmonary manifestations. Although these infections are usually secondary to invasion by "atypical" mycobacteria, unusual presentations due to mycobacterium tuberculosis have been noted. Case reports depicting the very rare presentations of M. tuberculosis in the thyroglossal duct cyst, parotid, and submandibular lymph node are described. A very unusual case of atypical mycobacteria in the larynx is noted and cervical adenitis is also included. The initial subtle presentation emphasizes the importance of mycobacteria in the differential diagnosis of lesions in the head and neck region.