Metastatic Poorly Differentiated Lung Cancer Shrouded in Pulmonary Tuberculosis – Lessons to Learn!

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality in many countries including India. It is a major public health concern particularly for India, as it has the highest burden of TB cases with two deaths occurring due to TB every 3 min. The incidence of lung cancer is reportedly higher in patients with pulmonary TB than in the general population. However, a diagnosis of bronchogenic carcinoma superimposed on pulmonary TB is difficult to establish due to masking of the signs, symptoms, and radiologic findings by the preexisting disease. On the other hand, the presence of underlying lung malignancy has been correlated with an increased risk of developing TB and even associated with poorer outcomes. Here, we share an interesting case where metastatic lung carcinoma was suspected and diagnosed, due to a good and careful follow-up in a young patient with active pulmonary TB infection.