Primary tuberculosis of breast

Primary tuberculosis of breast is not uncommon in developing countries. Initial presentations may be confused with benign or malignant lesions of breast. Diagnosis in endemic areas is suggested on clinical consideration. FNAC and/or biopsy confirm the diagnosis. The adequate anti-tubercular chemotherapy is essential for sustained resolution of mammary tuberculosis. We have a case of primary tuberculosis of breast in a young female with complete follow up to be reported. We treated a 22-year-old married female patient who was admitted with an ulcerated lump over the right breast. Initially ultrasonographic scanning and FNAC from the lump suggested a breast abscess. She was treated surgically as breast abscess which failed to resolve in due course. Provisional diagnosis was breast abscess. Breast malignancy or granulomatous inflammation could not be excluded. On elective lumpectomy and subsequent histopathological examination of the lump could confirm the diagnosis of tuberculosis of breast. We failed to discover any tuberculous lesion over other sites of the body. The patient was treated postoperatively with anti-tubercular chemotherapy. On follow up after six months, she was reasonably healthy. Chemotherapy is continued for another two months. Follow up is being continued for next two years.