Coughing up blood and persistent chest pain that doesn’t go away can quickly make you think it's tuberculosis (TB). But it may get even more difficult to identify when the same symptoms are shared by something more dangerous. Lung cancer also possesses the same symptoms as TB. It's because of this overlap of symptoms that identifying whether you're diagnosed with TB or lung cancer can be really confusing.
Why do lung cancer and tuberculosis look similar?
Lung cancer and TB both target the lungs, which is why they can look very similar in the beginning. You may experience continuous coughing or sudden weight loss, which is common in both conditions. Along with this, they can look very similar even on your X-ray reports, which can confuse your doctors as well. These overlapping signs can result in late detection and could delay your diagnosis if it’s lung cancer.
Key differences and diagnosis
Although lung cancer and TB may have a lot of similarities, some distinctions set them apart from one another. Tuberculosis is a result of a bacterial infection that is also accompanied by a lasting fever. But if you take good care of yourself, it can be cured even with anti-TB treatment. On the other hand, when it comes to lung cancer, the symptoms can get worse over time. Despite taking the right medications and taking good care of yourself, the coughing and breathlessness still do not improve. This is why doctors can make use of sputum scans or bronchoscopy to avoid the overlapping results from X-rays.
When should you consider seeing a doctor?
Not every time you cough is a sign of TB or lung cancer. Sometimes it can be because of a normal cold or some other throat infection. But if these symptoms last for weeks and get even worse with time, then you need to consider a checkup before things get late. If you experience coughing up blood, continuous chest pain, sudden weight loss, or any other symptom, then a consultation with a doctor can be the best thing to do. This way, you can know what is happening to you, so you can start your treatment at the earliest.
Listen to your lungs
Telling the difference between lung cancer and TB can be difficult, with symptoms overlapping. At this time, it's always better to take charge of your health and consult your doctor on time. This way, you can prevent delaying your health and move ahead with your treatment with confidence.