Pulmonary tuberculosis mimicking lung cancer metastases: a case report

Abstract

Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and lung cancer may mimic each other in the aspect of the clinical and radiological features, particularly. Early diagnosis and treatment is of utmost importance for improved survival in these patients. Herein, we present a 59 yearold case diagnosed with PTB, while being considered lung cancer metastases. In our case, PTB in the left lung and lung cancer (large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma) in the right lung were found simultaneously. After our case with sputum smear negative completed tuberculosis therapy, his daughter who had symptoms of cough and sputum was diagnosed with smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis. In smear AFB negative pulmonary tuberculosis cases, contact screen is important for early TB diagnosis. The local immunity is deteriorated in cancer cases, if there is pneumonic infiltration in lung, excluding metastatic lesions and other infections; therefore, we must search tuberculosis too.