[Breast tuberculosis]

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Oncology
• Radiology

Background:

• Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant global health issue, predominantly affecting the lungs.
• Extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) encompasses TB outside the lungs, presenting diverse and often overlooked clinical manifestations.
• Mammary tuberculosis, a rare form of EPTB, poses diagnostic challenges due to its infrequent occurrence and varied presentations.

Observation:

• A case report details a 50-year-old woman diagnosed with breast tuberculosis.
• The patient's presentation highlights the unusual clinical scenarios that extrapulmonary tuberculosis can manifest.
• Diagnostic difficulties in mammary TB include mimicking other breast pathologies, necessitating specific microbiological and histological confirmation.

Findings:

• Definitive diagnosis of mammary tuberculosis is established through the identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis via culture or characteristic histopathological findings.
• Anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy is the cornerstone of treatment for breast TB.
• Surgical intervention is reserved for refractory cases or those with extensive tissue destruction unresponsive to medical management.

Implications:

• Clinicians must maintain a high index of suspicion for mammary tuberculosis, especially in regions with a high prevalence of tuberculosis.
• Awareness of EPTB's diverse presentations is crucial for timely diagnosis and effective management, preventing potential complications.
• This case underscores the importance of considering rare diagnoses in clinical practice to ensure comprehensive patient care.