Relationship of Lung Cancer Characteristics with Prior Pulmonary Tuberculosis: A Retrospective Study of Thoracic CT Imaging and Histopathological Findings
Keywords:
lung cancer, pulmonary tuberculosis, computed tomography scan, adenocarcinomaAbstract
Background and aim: Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is associated with long-term structural lung damage that may promote carcinogenesis. Post-infectious fibrosis, chronic inflammation, and residual scarring have been proposed as key mechanisms underlying an increased risk of lung cancer following TB. The coexistence of pulmonary TB and lung cancer has been increasingly recognized; however, the clinical, radiological, and histopathological characteristics of lung cancer in patients with a prior history of TB remain insufficiently explored. This study aimed to characterize the clinicoradiological and pathological profile of lung cancer in individuals with previous pulmonary TB and to assess the influence of prior TB on tumor characteristics.
Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using electronic medical record data collected from January 2023 to May 2025 in our institution. Statistical analysis were tested using Chi-square or Fisher’s Exact Test with a significance level set at p <0.05.
Results: The majority of patients presented with advanced-stage lung cancer, characterized by persistent cough, dyspneu and weight loss. Computed tomography scans commonly showed fibrosis, cavitation, and mass lesions predominantly located in the upper lobes. Adenocarcinoma was the most frequent histopathological type. Previous TB was strongly associated with tumor development adjacent to post-infectious scarring.
Conclusions: A history of pulmonary tuberculosis influences the anatomical distribution and radiological appearance of lung cancer. Strengthened radiological surveillance in post-TB patients may support earlier detection and improve clinical outcomes.
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