Tuberculosis of the breast: a rare often unrecognized diagnosis

Abstract

Tuberculosis of the breast (BT) is a rare extrapulmonary localization for tuberculosis that mainly affects young women during their child-bearing years. We report eight cases of BT and describe its clinical characteristics, outcomes, and differential diagnoses. This retrospective study collected all cases of BT diagnosed at our hospital's infectious disease department in Tunisia from 2000 through 2009. We assessed the epidemiologic and clinical findings and reviewed the laboratory, histology, and radiology results, treatment data, and outcomes. Eight women (mean age: 52.5 years, range: 31-75) had BT. Clinical features included retracted erythematous lesions in four cases, a fluctuating abscess in two, and a well-defined nodule in two. The biopsy culture was positive in two cases. Histology results showed a tuberculoid granuloma with caseous necrosis in all cases. Antituberculosis drugs were administered for 8 to 12 months. Two patients underwent surgery. Outcome included total regression of BT for all women. Clinical features of BT are often misleading and can easily be mistaken for those of breast cancer. Identification of the Koch bacillus or the presence of a tuberculoid granuloma with caseous necrosis on histology facilitates diagnosis. The treatment consists essentially of antituberculosis drugs. Despite its rarity, BT must not be misjudged, especially in countries where tuberculosis is endemic.