For multiple calcified granulomas in the lung, is it most likely to be old TB or would you consider other differential diagnosis?I am in my thirties and have had a recurrent productive cough since October 2010 and so had a CXR 2 weeks ago showing multiple calcified granulomas.
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your concern. Calcification in lungs is suggestive of old, healed scarred lesions. You must be having tuberculosis in the past. And after treatment, it must be healed. Now healing in the lungs take place by either fibrosis or calcification or complete resolution (rarely). So calcification in current chest x-ray is suggestive of healed lesion from previous tb infection. No need to worry about recurrence of tb and hence no anti TB treatment is required presently. In my opinion, you should get done PFT (pulmonary function test) to rule out bronchitis as a cause for your coughing because bronchitis is very common after lung infection like tuberculosis. So consult pulmonologist and get done PFT. Don't worry, you are not having active tb at present. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.