Differential diagnosis between central cancer and pulmonary tuberculosis

Although the X-ray pattern of central cancer of upper lobular bronchus is sometimes very similar to that of tuberculosis of the lungs, a correct diagnosis can be established at a relatively early stage, if specific differences in the patterns are interpreted adequately with a due consideration of peculiarities of the clinical picture. Segment localization is of no practical value in differential diagnosis between cancer and tuberculosis of the lung. This purpose can be effectively served by bronchoscopy. A single bronchoscopy may verify diagnosis in as many as 77% of cases. Since carcinoma of upper lobular bronchus has a tendency to peribronchial growth, the results of a single bronchoscopy are inconclusive in 23% and double bronchoscopy - in 10% of cases