9334                TUBERCULOMA OF THE LUNG

The patient was a diabetic aged 30 who was quite well.  Mass X-ray survey showed a large rounded opacity in the apical segment of the right upper lobe.  An X-ray taken 10 months previously had been reported as normal but on review an opacity about 1.5 cm in diameter could be seen in the same situation behind the clavicle.  The mass was resected and the patient remains well 20 years later.

The specimen is of the resected upper lobe cut to show a large spheroidal tuberculoma at the apex measuring 4 x 3 x 4 cms.  The mass is composed of solid caseating tissue and there is a small cavity about 5 mms in diameter in one place.  The lesion is not obviously encapsulated.