Diagnostic Challenge: A case report of primary breast tuberculosis mimicking recurrent pyogenic breast abscess

Abstract

Introduction: Breast tuberculosis is a rare form of extra pulmonary tuberculosis with its primary form considered even rarer. Case presentation: A 28-year-old female initially diagnosed with a breast abscess presented with chronic right breast pain and nipple discharge. Despite initial treatment, symptoms recurred, and further investigations revealed a space-occupying lesion. Fine needle aspiration confirmed recurrent breast abscess, but subsequent DNA detection of tubercular bacilli in the pus sample led to a diagnosis of primary breast tuberculosis, necessitating anti-tubercular therapy. Clinical discussion: Breast tuberculosis, being rare and often misdiagnosed as an abscess, poses diagnostic challenges. However, Persistent symptoms despite treatment should prompt consideration of breast tuberculosis in TB endemic regions. Conclusion: Primary Breast Tuberculosis might not have any systemic symptoms to drag the clinician towards a possible diagnosis so culturing the aspirate for acid-fast bacilli or looking for MTB DNA in the available clinical sample should always be kept in mind for better outcomes.