HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Is There Any Way Scar On Lung Could Be Mistaken For A TB Scar?

Hello Doctor, I have a scar on my lung (so I have been told after doing an X-ray) which is from a case of double pneumonia that I had almost 30 years ago (I am no 45). Is there any way this could be mistaken for a TB scar? If so, how can I prove otherwise? This is for a medical for the Middle East. Thank you. Molly
Wed, 8 Jul 2015
Report Abuse
Pulmonologist 's  Response
Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Yes, your scar can be mistaken as tuberculosis lesions and you may fail your medical on this basis.
Any lung insult whether tuberculosis or pneumonia or Pulmonary contusions heal by following mechanism.
1. Fibrosis
2. Calcification
3. Bronchiectesis
4. Rarely complete resolution.
First two are more common and it will remain as it is through out the life.
So to prove that it is old, healed scar and not active lesion, you need to consult pulmonologist and get done CT thorax with Contrast and bronchoscopy with BAL (bronchoalveolar lavage) analysis.
If both these are negative for tuberculosis or other infection, than you can argue with visa authority about not having active, infectious tuberculosis and your lesions are old, healed, fibrotic, inactive lesions.
Hope I have solved your query.
Wish you good health. Thanks.
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
Is There Any Way Scar On Lung Could Be Mistaken For A TB Scar?

Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic. I can understand your concern. Yes, your scar can be mistaken as tuberculosis lesions and you may fail your medical on this basis. Any lung insult whether tuberculosis or pneumonia or Pulmonary contusions heal by following mechanism. 1. Fibrosis 2. Calcification 3. Bronchiectesis 4. Rarely complete resolution. First two are more common and it will remain as it is through out the life. So to prove that it is old, healed scar and not active lesion, you need to consult pulmonologist and get done CT thorax with Contrast and bronchoscopy with BAL (bronchoalveolar lavage) analysis. If both these are negative for tuberculosis or other infection, than you can argue with visa authority about not having active, infectious tuberculosis and your lesions are old, healed, fibrotic, inactive lesions. Hope I have solved your query. Wish you good health. Thanks.