[Tuberculosis simulating cancer. An autopsy study of 12 cases presenting diagnostic difficulties in clinical practice].

Tuberculosis may simulate cancer. We report on twelve cases with the clinical diagnosis of cancer in which autopsy revealed tuberculosis. Weight loss and fever were the most common symptoms. Chest x-ray abnormalities were seen in 50% of cases. A debilitating disease other than tuberculosis was present in 6 cases. Miliary disseminated tuberculosis was the most common form encountered at autopsy. Physicians should be aware that the clinical findings of tuberculosis may suggest malignancy.