How can a lung abscess be distinguished from a lung tumor? | Pulmonary abscess

How can a lung abscess be distinguished from a lung tumor?

If the radiological image of the lung shows a roundish structure in the area of the lung tissue, a tumor must always be diagnostically excluded, even if in most cases it is inflammation, abscesses or other lung diseases. Important indications of an abscess are accompanying or previous pneumonia. An existing fever and cough are also initially indications of a lung abscess, although these can also be symptoms of an advanced lung tumor.

The most important means of differentiating between the two diseases is the determination of the pathogen. Initially, an attempt is made to identify a pathogen in the laboratory from the sputum of the cough. It is also possible to puncture the abscess. In the laboratory it is then easy to determine whether it is an inflammation caused by the pathogen or tumor tissue. Further information on this:

  • How to recognize lung cancer?
  • Diagnosis of lung cancer

All articles in this series:

  1. Pulmonary abscess
  2. Diagnosis
  3. Complications
  4. How can a lung abscess be distinguished from a lung tumor?