[Breast tuberculosis]

Tuberculosis rarely affects the breast. The authors report the case of a 50 years-old woman with breast tuberculosis. The main purpose of this case report is to remind clinicians of the unusual presentations of extrapulmonary tuberculosis that can easily be forgotten. Mammary tuberculosis presents a number of diagnostic pitfalls. Diagnosis is based on identification of the tubercle bacillus in cultures or demonstration of typical histological lesions. Antibacillary drugs are the mainstay of therapy. Surgery is used only is cases that fail to respond to medical treatment and/or involve extensive tissue damage. Although rare, tuberculosis of the breast should be considered as a possible diagnosis, particularly in countries where tuberculosis is endemic.