Tuberculosis of the breast: an uncommon presentation of an old disease

Abstract

Breast tuberculosis (TB) is considered an uncommon disease with an estimated incidence of 0.1% of all breast lesions reported in developed countries. A 53-year-old Caucasian woman, with a medical history of Crohn’s disease, previously treated with infliximab for 3 months suspended due to a presumptive diagnosis of TB for which antitubercular regimen was started. Five months after, a painful lump in the left breast was identified by the patient. Mammary ultrasound confirmed left breast nodules and axillary adenopathies. Histology and microbiology of both lesions confirmed breast TB. Molecular drug susceptibility testing in both samples revealed no resistance to first line anti-TB drugs and the regimen was maintained for 1 year, with clinical and radiological improvement. Mammary gland involvement usually results from lymphatic extension and differential diagnosis frequently includes breast cancer or bacterial abscess.