Tuberculous ulcer of the tongue: report of case.

In the case presented, the patient sought treatment for a painful ulcer on the right lateral border of the tongue. In the absence of any other significant finding, the clinical features of the lesion suggested malignancy. Histopathologic examination of a biopsy specimen was an important aid in the diagnosis of tuberculosis. Pulmonary lesions were subsequently detected and the patient was treated accordingly. The ulcer on the tongue was believed to be secondary to the pulmonary tuberculosis.