Malignant bronchial ulcer with coexistent pulmonary tuberculosis

Abstract

Ulceration in the bronchial mucosa is noted rarely in bronchoscopy. In the past, it was frequently encountered in endobronchial tuberculosis. Deep necrotic bronchial ulcers are seen very rarely in clinical practice. Here we are reporting a first-ever case report of malignant bronchial ulcer presenting as necrotic deep bronchial ulcer, in a 70-year-old male, chronic smoker, who complained of breathlessness for 3 months, cough for 3 months, loss of weight and of appetite for 1 month. Bronchoscopy showed a large necrotic ulcer with dense anthracotic pigmentation which bleeds in touch with forceps. Bronchial washings, brushings, endobronchial biopsy were taken from the ulcer which was suggestive of poorly differentiated bronchogenic carcinoma. TBNA from the mediastinal nodes showed the features of caseous necrosis with granulomatous inflammation. Consequently, with the diagnosis of poorly differentiated carcinoma with pulmonary tuberculosis and COPD, the patient was started on anti-tuberculosis drugs, inhaled bronchodilators and referred to an oncologist for chemotherapy.