11/08/2026
Can an old TB cavity become home to a fungal ball? Yes.
An aspergilloma, also called a fungal ball, can develop inside a pre-existing cavity in a damaged lung. Previous tuberculosis is one important setting in which these cavities can occur.
Some patients may remain relatively stable, while others can develop recurrent coughing up of blood (hemoptysis), repeated lung infections or other complications.
So when does surgery become necessary?
If there is permanently damaged lung tissue, recurrent infection or significant/recurrent bleeding, surgical removal of the diseased lung tissue may be considered in appropriately selected patients.
Think of it like a leaking roof: catching the water may be a temporary solution, but repairing the damaged roof addresses the source.
Similarly, controlling bleeding may not remove the underlying diseased lung. In selected patients, surgery can remove the source of recurrent bleeding or infection.
In this reel, Dr. Mohan Venkatesh Pulle, Thoracic & Lung Transplant Surgeon, explains aspergilloma, post-TB lung damage and when surgery may become the definitive treatment.
If you have a history of TB and experience recurrent coughing up blood, repeated chest infections or worsening respiratory symptoms, seek evaluation by a lung specialist.
Save this reel and share it with someone living with post-TB lung damage.