New progress of tuberculosis scar carcinoma

Cancer Metastasis Rev. 2023 Sep;42(3):653-659. doi: 10.1007/s10555-023-10128-9. Epub 2023 Aug 16.

Abstract

It has been demonstrated that scar tissue and fibrosis may increase the likelihood of developing malignancies. Specifically, scar tissue has been linked to the occurrence and progression of lung cancer (LC), though the precise mechanisms necessitate further research for explanation. Lung scarring can stem from various causes, with carcinogenesis on scarring lesions in pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) being the most frequent (accounting for approximately 75% of cases). Notably, having previously cured, PTB is the second most common risk factor for LC after smoking, with approximately 3% of PTB patients experiencing LC as a secondary condition. This essay will delve into the mechanisms, treatment, and prognosis of tuberculosis scar carcinoma (TSC).

Keywords: Inflammation; Lung cancer; Scar carcinoma; Scar tissue; Tuberculosis.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma* / complications
  • Cicatrix / complications
  • Cicatrix / pathology
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Risk Factors
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary* / complications
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary* / epidemiology