Abstract: Tuberculosis and lung cancer are two important health hazards that cause millions of deaths every year. Both diseases have high incidence rates, particularly in developing countries. Epidemiological evidence has shown that pre-existing tuberculosis increases the risk of concomitant lung cancer. Although the prognoses of the two diseases may be different, they share a common etiology. Many studies have confirmed that pre-existing tuberculosis can enhance the development of lung cancer by stimulating chronic inflammation, immune abnormalities, scarring and calcifications, gene mutations and drug effects. This review comprehensively discusses the research status and molecular mechanisms related to tuberculosis with respect to lung cancer pathogenesis to provide precautionary measures for tuberculosis patients at risk of lung cancer