Related Experiment Videos
[Extrapulmonary tuberculosis. An important differential diagnosis in immigrants with suspected malignancy]
M Jensenius1, A Bergmann, J Rø
1Medisinsk avdeling, Ullevål sykehus, Oslo.
Summary
Extrapulmonary tuberculosis is rare and can mimic cancer, leading to misdiagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment with standard anti-tuberculosis drugs are crucial for successful outcomes in these challenging cases.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Oncology
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) incidence is rising globally, with extrapulmonary TB being rare in industrialized nations like Norway.
- Extrapulmonary TB often affects specific demographics and can be misdiagnosed due to its varied presentations.
Observation:
- Two cases of extrapulmonary TB are presented, both initially suspected as neoplastic diseases.
- A young woman presented with tuberculous mastitis mimicking breast cancer, and a young man had mesenteric tuberculous lymphadenitis resembling lymphoma.
Findings:
- Histological examination confirmed tuberculous mastitis in the first patient, contrasting with the initial suspicion of carcinoma.
- The second patient's intra-abdominal lymphoma diagnosis was revised to mesenteric tuberculous lymphadenitis.
Implications:
- These cases highlight the importance of considering tuberculosis in differential diagnoses, even in non-typical presentations.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment with standard anti-tuberculosis regimens (isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide) led to successful recovery in both patients.