Tuberculosis presenting as mediastinal and lung mass radiologically: a case report

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Infectious Diseases
• Oncology

Background:

• Mediastinal and lung masses are frequently observed clinical findings.
• Causes vary from benign to malignant, with infections being a less common etiology.
• Malignancy is typically suspected in cases of lung mass with metastatic mediastinal involvement.

Observation:

• A 53-year-old male presented with a lung mass.
• The patient also exhibited a conglomerate lymph nodal mass in the mediastinum.
• These findings initially suggested a malignant process.

Findings:

• Histopathological examination confirmed tuberculosis as the cause.
• The presentation mimicked metastatic disease, underscoring an unusual presentation of tuberculosis.
• This case challenges the typical assumption of malignancy in such scenarios.

Implications:

• Highlights the importance of considering infectious etiologies, particularly tuberculosis, in the differential diagnosis of lung and mediastinal masses.
• Suggests that tuberculosis can present atypically, mimicking metastatic cancer.
• Emphasizes the need for thorough histopathological evaluation for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.