Tubercular round pneumonia simulating a mass lesion in an adult

Abstract

Round pneumonia, a benign cause of spherical lesions seen on chest imaging, can many a times be difficult to distinguish from bronchogenic carcinomas. Although relatively less common in adults, this entity is seen in most pulmonary medicine and radiology practices and may lead to computed tomography and biopsy. Because round pneumonia can be easily managed with antibiotics and antitubercular drugs, this diagnosis should be considered in all patients with a spherical lesion, keeping in mind that bronchogenic carcinoma can be a diagnosis as well.

Keywords

• bronchogenic carcinoma
• round pneumonia
• tuberculosis