Titap Kumar Bala1, Mohammed Kamrul Hasan2, ASM Fateh Akram3, AHM Raihanuzzaman Sarkar3,Md. Khairul Hassan Jessy4

Abstract
It is well recognized that lung cancer can present as parenchymal infiltration mimicking pneumonia on
chest X-ray films or computed tomography (CT-scan) images. Such cancers can be misdiagnosed as
inflammatory lung diseases, delaying accurate diagnosis and prompt further invasive investigations. A
60-year-old man presented with symptoms of fever and productive cough with hemoptysis secondary
to right lower lobe pneumonia. He had received several courses of antibiotics over a 6 months period.
Review of serial radiographic examinations including chest x-ray and CT scans revealed consolidation
of the right lower lobe with cavity formation and small pleural effusion. Lack of response to antibiotics
prompted repetition of CT scans and guided FNAC. Histopathology revealed squamous cell carcinoma.
Non-resolving lung abscess may be the first manifestation of lung malignancy and should be considered
early in patients with a history of smoking. Lung abscess failing to respond to conventional antibiotics
the differential diagnoses should be broadened and prompt evaluation with invasive procedure should
be applied for early diagnosis and prompt treatment.
Keywords: lung cancer; Squamous cell carcinoma; Non resolving lung abscess.

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