This disease is slowly progressive, malignant, and, if untreated, life threatening. It is characterized by skin lesions and progressive, symmetric nerve damage. Lesions of the mucous membranes of the nose may lead to destruction of the cartilaginous septum, resulting in nasal and facial deformities. What disease is this?

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The disease described is Hansen disease, also known as leprosy. It is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae and primarily affects the skin and nerves. If left untreated, it can lead to severe disfigurement and disability. Extrapulmonary TB and non-Mycobacterium tuberculosis pulmonary disease are not characterized by skin lesions and do not typically affect the nose or facial structure. M. xenopi is a type of Mycobacterium, but it is not known to cause Hansen disease.

This Disease Is Slowly Progressive, Malignant, And, If Untreated, Life