Co-existent breast malignancy and contralateral primary axillary tuberculosis

Abstract

Breast tuberculosis is an extremely rare entity representing less than 0.1% of all breast disease in developed countries. Tuberculous infections within the United Kingdom have seen a steady decline with the highest rates present within North West London where infection rates reach 24.8 per 100,000. The presentation can mimic malignancy and lymphatic involvement of the breast both clinically and mammographically, with nodules within the upper outer quadrant, making accurate diagnosis challenging. Approximately, 30% of breast TB cases present with axillary lymphadenopathy and a recent case series review of approximately 44 cases in London found that the most common presenting feature was a solitary breast lump in 87% of cases. 4 We present a case of a patient presenting with primary malignancy and contralateral nodal disease highly suspicious for breast malignancy. Subsequent investigation led to the identification of synchronous localized cancer and tuberculous lymphadenitis. Synchronous presentation is uncommon and recognition and differentiation is vital as axillary lymph node metastasis is the most important factor in the staging of breast carcinoma and determining the subsequent oncological and surgical management.