Bilateral breast tuberculosis: A case report

Abstract

Key Clinical Message Breast tuberculosis is a rare clinical condition that has the potential to imitate breast cancer or pyogenic abscess. It is crucial to consider this in patients who have resistant breast abscesses or persistent sinuses, particularly in high‐risk groups or locations. The main treatment for breast tuberculosis is antitubercular treatment. Abstract Bilateral breast tuberculosis is a rare form of the disease that affects breasts. It is most commonly seen in young females, including nulliparous and lactating women. Diagnosis of bilateral breast tuberculosis can be challenging due to its similarity to other breast diseases, such as granulomatous mastitis and breast carcinoma. Patients from high‐risk groups and/or endemic locations who present with clinically suspicious breast lumps or refractory breast abscesses should have breast TB taken into consideration in their differential diagnosis. A 24‐year‐old Ethiopian female presented to the surgical outpatient department with a complaint of bilateral breast pain of 1‐year duration associated with a low‐grade fever, not associated with chills or rigor. She also has ulceration on the lower part of both breasts. It was followed by pus discharge from the right breast 6 months later. Investigations, including fine needle aspiration cytology, were suggestive of tuberculous mastitis. Later, the patient was treated with antituberculous drugs for 6 months, and the above symptoms subsided. Individuals with breast lesions who do not respond well to antibiotics should be suspected of having breast tuberculosis, especially if they are young and reside in or were born in a nation where the disease is prevalent.

Keywords

• abscess
• breast
• case report
• lump
• mastitis
• tuberculosis