A progressively enlarging, purulent neck mass that eventually ulcerates through the skin has a broad differential diagnosis that includes infectious and inflammatory conditions. However, isolation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis on mycobacterial culture points to scrofuloderma. Scrofuloderma is a form of cutaneous tuberculosis caused by contiguous extension of tuberculosis, usually from an infected cervical lymph node, into the overlying skin. Less commonly, Mycobacterium bovis can also cause scrofuloderma. Treatment is standard antituberculous therapy.
Comment
A progressively enlarging, purulent neck mass that eventually ulcerates through the skin has a broad differential diagnosis that includes infectious and inflammatory conditions. However, isolation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis on mycobacterial culture points to scrofuloderma. Scrofuloderma is a form of cutaneous tuberculosis caused by contiguous extension of tuberculosis, usually from an infected cervical lymph node, into the overlying skin. Less commonly, Mycobacterium bovis can also cause scrofuloderma. Treatment is standard antituberculous therapy.