Coexisting Bronchogenic Carcinoma and Tuberculosis

¹ Instructor, Senior Resident in Surgery, University of Chicago
² Chief, Surgical Service, Suburban Cook County Tuberculosis Sanitarium, Hinsdale
³ Chairman, Department of Surgery, University of Chicago

1. The x-ray films and pathologic findings in 54 patients with coexisting bronchogenic carcinoma and tuberculosis were

See Table in the PDF File

compared to those of 41 nontuberculous cases seen in the same institution.

2. Type of carcinoma seen in tuberculous patients appears to have the same distribution as compared to that of reported bronchogenic carcinoma not affected by tuberculosis.

3. Chronic inactive pulmonary tuberculosis was seen more frequently in patients with squamous cell carcinoma while active tuberculosis was more often associated with adenocarcinoma and undifferentiated carcinoma.

4. Errors in diagnosis due to cavitary carcinoma and negative sputum cultures showing scotochromogen organisms were responsible for delays in treatment.

5. The absence of early hilar lymph node metastasis suggests that tuberculosis may impede the spread of carcinoma.

6. We have not been able to relate the origin of carcinoma to the exact area of pulmonary tuberculosis.

7. The combination of these two diseases is not hopeless by any means. An aggressive attitude is warranted. We submit that a closer surveillance of patients in tuberculosis out-patient services seems to afford an opportunity to treat carcinoma earlier.