# Pulmonary tuberculosis masquerading as a mass cancer lesion: A rare case report and review of literature

## TL;DR

A 50-year-old man was initially diagnosed with lung cancer, but tests later confirmed he had pulmonary tuberculosis, highlighting the risk of misdiagnosis.

## Contribution

This case report highlights the rare presentation of PTB mimicking lung cancer and emphasizes the importance of accurate diagnosis.

## Key findings

- The patient's radiological findings suggested lung cancer, but histopathology confirmed PTB.
- Chronic granulomatous inflammation with caseous necrosis was observed, indicating TB.
- The case underscores the need for careful evaluation to avoid misdiagnosis.

## Abstract

Despite being generally treatable and preventative, pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is one of the most common infectious agents that cause death. Misdiagnosis of TB frequently leads to unwarranted diagnostic procedures and postpones the start of treatment.

Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) can present with various unusual radiological and clinical characteristics. Misdiagnosis of TB frequently leads to unwarranted diagnostic procedures and postpones the start of treatment. Here, we describe a 50‐year‐old man who presented with a cancerous‐type lesion on radiological findings and atypical symptoms that led to an initial diagnosis of lung cancer. However, histopathology and biopsy of the lung lesion revealed chronic granulomatous inflammation with caseous necrosis, confirming PTB as the true cause, with no further indications of malignancy.