15 mon. grandson-positive ppd

15 month old grandson tested postive ppd, all adults in family tested neg. Chest x-ray showed lung lesion, swollen gland.  Paternal grandmother died but had lupus.  Does this mean TB or could it be something else?  Could lesion be something else (not cancer please!!!)?  Does abnormal x-ray mean active TB?  Having lung lavage as we speak.  How long for those results?

Thanks!!!

[National Jewish]

The combination of a positive PPD and x-ray findings of tuberculosis (TB), especially the 'swollen glands', are strongly suggestive of recent, active infection; more so if you can identify an exposure to an adult with active TB.  It would be important to be sure that the PPD testing of adult family members was truly negative.  But, even a negative skin test in any adult, who has any respiratory symptoms, should be followed by a repeat test and a chest x-ray.  Look beyond your circle of family and friends to everyone with whom your grandson might have been in close contact.  That person will likely still be contagious.  Your local public health department may assist you with this.

What you describe is very unlikely to be cancer or, for that matter, anything but TB.  Sounds like his doctors are not wasting any time.  What your grandson has is a very treatable disease and he should do well.