A case report of pulmonary granuloma misdiagnosed as a malignant tumor

The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics and underlying causes of misdiagnosis in pulmonary granulomas, analyze the diagnostic challenges and differential diagnostic process, and improve clinical understanding in order to reduce misdiagnosis and optimize treatment. A retrospective analysis was conducted on a clinical case of pulmonary granuloma in a patient presenting with cough, sputum production, and hemoptysis. Initial computed tomography imaging revealed a malignant lung tumor. However, trans-thoracoscopy indicated that the lesion was an inflammatory granuloma, and the final diagnosis confirmed this finding. This case emphasizes that symptoms such as cough, sputum production, and hemoptysis may be indicative of pulmonary granulomas and may be misdiagnosed as malignant lung tumors. Therefore, a systematic and comprehensive diagnostic approach is essential. The integration of medical history, physical examination, and auxiliary tests, particularly pathological evaluation supported by positron emission tomography/computed tomography, can significantly reduce the risk of misdiagnosis, promote timely intervention, and improve the patient’s prognosis.