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A 20-year-old female asked:

Can a previous tb scar cause lung cancer even if non-smoker?

1 doctor answer2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Marcel Goldberg
Family Medicine 29 years experience
Cannot say no: While there have been studies associating an increased risk of certain lung cancers in people with a history of tuberculosis, there is no proof that the infection causes cancer. Correlation is not the same as causation. So i can't say no, but i can't say yes either!
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Similar questions

India
A 20-year-old female asked:

Ca TB scars cause lung cancer even if non- smoker?

2 doctor answers2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Sewa Legha
Medical Oncology 52 years experience
Yes, but very rarely: Quit worrying about it. Otherwise you will become a hypochondriac very soon.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
India
A 20-year-old female asked:

How can old TB scars cause lung cancer in non smoker?

1 doctor answer2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Helmy Guirgis
Hematology and Oncology 48 years experience
They do not but: Cancer develops when immunity surveillance decreases by age, infections and genetic alterations..... Etiology of lung cancer in non- smokers is unclear but genetic alteration is largely to blame. Air pollution and second- and third- hand smoking could play a part. Tb scar in the lung could be a milieu or area for developing cancer to nest in....But, this is very rare. Thank you.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Last updated May 19, 2017

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