A 27-year-old man from another province recently received a diagnosis of lymph node tuberculosis (TB) after experiencing a fever, fatigue, and a persistent cough for two months. The patient initially attempted to manage symptoms by taking over-the-counter medication. However, his condition did not improve. He eventually sought professional help at a hospital due to worsening fatigue and a bothersome cough.
A chest X-ray revealed an abnormality in his right bronchus, a major airway in the lung. To further investigate, doctors ordered a CT scan. Since it would take a long time to get a CT scan at that hospital, his family transferred him to Walailak University Hospital where he received a quicker CT Scan. The CT scan confirmed a mass in the bronchus, but it did not show any signs of pulmonary TB. Additionally, a sputum test did not detect tuberculosis in the lungs.
Concerned about the mass, the thoracic surgeon used a minimally invasive surgical procedure using an endoscope (a thin, flexible instrument with a camera) to remove the tissue for analysis without a large incision. The biopsy revealed an unexpected diagnosis: TB infection in the lymph nodes.
Even though the chest X-ray did not show lung problems and the mass was removed, TB could still be present in other organs, including the lungs. As a result, the patient began a course of standard TB medication, which he needed to take continuously for at least six months. Following treatment, the patient’s overall health significantly improved.
Beyond lymph node TB, lung masses could often be diagnosed as lymphoma (cancer of the lymph system). This case highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis to ensure the right course of treatment.
Do not ignore a persistent cough, low-grade fever, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite lasting more than two weeks. These symptoms could be signs of a treatable condition like tuberculosis (TB). See a doctor for a prompt diagnosis to ensure proper treatment and prevent the spread of TB to others.
