Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Analysis of 18FDG PET/CT Imaging as a Tool for Studying Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection and Treatment in Non-human Primates
Published on: September 5, 2017
Tuberculosis and malignancy
M E Falagas1, V D Kouranos, Z Athanassa
1Alfa Institute of Biomedical Sciences, 9 Neapoleos Street, 151 23 Marousi, Greece. m.falagas@aibs.gr
Tuberculosis (TB) and cancer co-existence is under-recognized. This review highlights three associations: cancer after TB, concurrent TB and malignancy, and diagnostic challenges, urging clinical awareness and further research.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) and malignancy are significant global health burdens.
- The co-occurrence of TB and cancer has received limited research attention.
- Understanding this association is crucial for patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review literature on TB and malignancy co-existence.
- To identify neglected aspects of this association.
- To derive clinically relevant information.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of PubMed up to June 2008.
- Inclusion of case reports, case series, and comparative studies.
- Exclusion of mycobacterial infections in immunocompromised patients.
Main Results:
- Three types of association identified: cancer post-TB, concurrent TB and malignancy, and diagnostic challenges.
- Malignancy may develop following a previous TB infection.
- Concurrent TB and cancer present diagnostic complexities.
Conclusions:
- Clinicians must recognize diverse presentations of TB and cancer.
- A high index of suspicion is needed for simultaneous or misleading presentations.
- Further research is needed to explore TB's potential role in carcinogenesis.
Related Concept Videos
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Tuberculosis
Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
Pulmonary Tuberculosis II
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
Other Pulmonary Disorders