Pulmonary Tuberculosis - A Mimicker of Lung Malignancy

In India, where tuberculosis is spreading in an uncontrolled way, it is not uncommon to find a lung cancer patient being treated for tuberculosis initially. The diagnosis of lung cancer can be delayed in patients with high suspicion for clinical tuberculosis or a history of infection with pulmonary tuberculosis. Several factors are responsible for this situation including lack of awareness, inadequate infrastructure and socio -economic factors. This delayed diagnosis of malignancy may lead to increased morbidity and mortality, due to more advanced stage of the disease. So the early diagnosis of malignancy is important, and radiological imging can play a very crucial role in that. And thus help in the early management of the patient.