A case of non-Hodgkin lymphoma coexisting with both hepatitis B and tuberculosis

Tuberculosis may coexist with malign diseases. Because of the similar symptoms and signs, it is often difficult to diagnose one from the other during the treatment period. In one case report, a paratracheal mass was detected using thorax computed tomography in a man with chronic hepatitis B disease after a mediastinal enlargement was shown on his chest X-ray. Histopathologic examination revealed necrotizing granulomatous inflammation, supporting tuberculosis. Then standard anti-tuberculosis treatment was initiated. At the third month of therapy, the patient was admitted to the hospital with swelling in his peripheral lymph nodes. Axillary excisional biopsy was consistent with large B-cell lymphoma.