Coexistence of Tuberculosis and Malignancy in a Single Cervical Lymph Node: A Case Series

Abstract

Background: The coexistence of tuberculosis (TB) and malignancy within the same lymph node is a rare, if not exceptional, pathology, with only a few cases reported. Methods: We collected patients who presented concomitant TB and malignancy within the same cervical lymph node diagnosed during the period (2010-2023). Results: Ten patients were included. They received or were receiving treatment for cancer or TB in 7 cases. All patients presented with recurrent or new lymph nodes despite being under treatment. The 3 remaining patients did not have a history of cancer or TB. Histopathological examination confirmed the coexistence of TB and malignancy within the same lymph node. Histological types of diagnosed cancers included laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma, papillary thyroid carcinoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, medullary carcinoma of the thyroid gland, Hodgkin lymphoma, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. All patients received treatment for TB and cancer. Two patients died from septic complication in 1 case and from pulmonary complication due to miliary TB in 1 case. Conclusions: Concomitant TB and malignancy are possible, especially in countries with a high incidence of TB. Immunocompromised states related to cancer, and its treatments can add the risk of flare-up of a latent infection.