What are the differences between pulmonary tuberculosis and lung cancer?
Disease description:
Uncle has recently experienced coughing and low-grade fever, raising suspicion of either pulmonary tuberculosis or lung cancer. What are the differences between pulmonary tuberculosis and lung cancer?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Liwen
The key distinction between pulmonary tuberculosis and lung cancer is that lung cancer is a malignant disease, whereas pulmonary tuberculosis is a benign condition. Clinically, pulmonary tuberculosis presents with systemic tuberculous intoxication symptoms, including low-grade fever, night sweats, cough, hemoptysis, and weight loss. Radiologically and pathologically, pulmonary tuberculosis manifests in various forms, primarily characterized by exudative, proliferative, and necrotic changes. Diet should be light and easily digestible.
