Primary breast tuberculosis mimicking carcinoma: a case report

Breast tuberculosis is considered a rare clinical entity throughout the world. It has no defined clinical manifestation. Radiological imaging is not diagnostic also. Diagnosis is based on identification of typical histological features or cultures. Patient: A 48-year old woman was admitted because of a painful lump in her right breast. Her mammogram showed a lobulated mass, accompanied by swelling and retraction of the skin and nipple, suspected to be carcinoma. The diagnosis was made by histopathologic study and revealed to be tuberculosis. The tumor was excised and anti- tuberculosis drugs were commenced. Satisfactory out comes revealed during follow up. Breast tuberculosis is a rare form of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis which may presents with features of breast carcinoma. The basis of treatment is anti-tuberculosis antibiotic therapy, and conservative surgery for any residual masses or deformities