Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 27, 2026
11:17
Thoracoscopic Extended Right Middle Plus Lower Sleeve Lobectomy for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Published on: February 27, 2026
441
Pulmonary tuberculosis masking lung cancer - A case report
Srinath Dhandapani1, Nageswari A Dheenadayalu1, Srigayathri Shanmugam2
1Dept. of Pulmonary Medicine, SRM Medical College Hospital, India.
Respiratory Medicine Case Reports
|January 9, 2016
Summary
Pulmonary tuberculosis and lung cancer can appear similar, delaying diagnosis. This case highlights a patient initially treated for tuberculosis who was later diagnosed with lung malignancy after treatment failure.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Oncology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) and lung malignancy are significant respiratory diseases.
- Co-existence of these conditions can complicate diagnosis and treatment.
- Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management of both TB and lung cancer.
Observation:
- A 60-year-old male presented with symptoms suggestive of pulmonary tuberculosis.
- Initial diagnosis favored tuberculosis, and the patient commenced standard anti-TB therapy.
- The patient did not respond to the prescribed tuberculosis treatment, prompting further investigation.
Findings:
- Non-response to tuberculosis therapy indicated a need for re-evaluation.
- Subsequent investigations revealed an underlying primary lung malignancy.
- The lung cancer was masked by the initial presentation mimicking tuberculosis.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering lung malignancy in non-responsive tuberculosis cases.
- Diagnostic delays can occur when TB symptoms mask underlying cancer.
- Awareness and thorough investigation are vital for differentiating and managing co-existing pulmonary tuberculosis and lung cancer.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Pulmonary Tuberculosis II
2.1K
Tuberculosis, or TB, is a bacterial infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While its primary impact is on the lungs, leading to pulmonary tuberculosis, it can also affect various other organs, a condition referred to as extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
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...
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...
2.1K
01:28Pulmonary Tuberculosis V
827
Medical management of tuberculosis (TB) patients involves a comprehensive approach that includes diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. The specific strategies can vary depending on the type of tuberculosis (latent or active), the patient's overall health status, and other considerations.
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the...
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the...
827
01:29Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
1.3K
Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
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...
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...
1.3K
01:31Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
1.4K
Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infection primarily affecting the lung parenchyma but which can also affect other body parts. TB can be classified based on disease development, presentation, and the affected anatomical site.
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
1.4K
01:26Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV
668
Tuberculosis, more commonly referred to as TB, is an infectious disease stemming from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While it primarily impacts the lungs, TB can also affect other body areas. Given its severity and global impact, timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial for controlling its spread and improving patient outcomes.
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...
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...
668
01:17Other Pulmonary Disorders
2.0K
Respiratory disorders encompass a range of conditions with varying levels of severity. Asthma, marked by chronic airway inflammation and hypersensitivity, is one such condition. It can lead to airway obstruction due to factors like bronchial spasms, mucosal edema, increased mucus secretion, or epithelial damage. Asthma triggers are diverse, ranging from allergens to emotional upset, and treatment focuses on both immediate relief through bronchodilators and long-term inflammation suppression.
2.0K