What is tuberculoma

In life, we are very concerned about some changes in our body, especially the common tuberculoma. Tuberculomas are divided into single or multiple, but most of them are single, with a diameter of more than two centimeters, wrapped by fibrous tissue, and many entanglements and lesions will appear. They can remain static for a long time. There are mainly several types of treatment. We need to understand the treatment plan according to the changes in the condition.

Tuberculoma: (also known as tuberculoma). It is usually a single spherical lesion with a diameter of more than 2 cm, formed by fibrous tissue surrounding caseous tuberculosis lesions or obstructive cavities filled with caseous material. It is round, oval or lobed, and is mostly located in the upper lobe of the lung. It usually appears as a spherical block shadow with clear outlines and uneven density. It may contain calcification foci or translucent areas, and there may be scattered fibroproliferative lesions around it, which are often called "satellite foci".

It is a relatively stable lesion that can remain dormant for a long time, but when the body's resistance is reduced, the lesion may worsen and progress.

Related differences

Tuberculoma is a type of secondary pulmonary tuberculosis in adults. It is a round or oval caseous lesion with a fibrous capsule and a diameter of more than 1.5 cm. Usually asymptomatic. Its volume may remain unchanged for a long time, and when the body's resistance is low, it may disseminate to form disseminated pulmonary tuberculosis or liquefy and cough up to form cavities.

Treatment options

In terms of treatment, non-surgical treatment is basically the same as for tuberculosis. The difference is that tuberculosis nodules larger than 3 cm can be completely removed through surgery. Both tuberculosis and pulmonary tuberculosis are currently curable. After being cured, you should rest for a period of time (because tuberculosis is a wasting disease). Once your physical condition has improved, you can have a child and there will be no impact.

Clinical features of pulmonary tuberculoma

The disease has an insidious onset and atypical symptoms. Some patients have no symptoms. Occasionally, it is discovered during physical examination. Males are more likely to suffer from the disease than females, and most are under 40 years old. Most of them have a history of tuberculosis infection and contact.

Imaging characteristics

1. Location: It is mostly seen in the subclavian area, that is, the posterior segment of the apex of the upper lobe of the lung, followed by the dorsal segment of the lower lobe.

2. Morphology: round and oval shapes are the most common, followed by irregular shapes. The density is high but uneven. The spherical outline is clear and neat. Occasionally, shallow lobes are seen. Some may also be accompanied by cavities. The cavities have different shapes and are often thick-walled. Some cavities are eccentric, mostly toward the hilar side. Burrs are rare. Calcification is of practical significance for the diagnosis of tuberculoma, and there may be the following types of calcification: localized arcuate calcification along the capsule, layered annular calcification or diffuse spotted calcification. Proliferative or fibrotic lesions in the lung fields near the tuberculoma, so-called satellite lesions, are also helpful for diagnosis. Sometimes a cord-like shadow can be seen between the hilum of the lung.

3. Tuberculomas with a diameter of <4 cm are mostly round, with smooth edges and uniform density. Calcification, surrounding satellite lesions and thickening of the adjacent pleura are common. Shallow lobulation, sparse long burrs, small cavities at the proximal end and slightly low density in the middle are rare. Lesions with a diameter of >4 cm are mostly shallow lobulation or irregular in shape, with uneven density, smooth edges, common calcification, surrounding satellite lesions, sparse long burrs, small cavities at the proximal end and slightly low density in the middle. Enhanced scans of the area of ​​interest all show capsule enhancement or no enhancement, and uniform enhancement is rare. Atypical CT manifestations ultimately depend on pathological examination.