Tuberculosis of breast: unusual manifestation of tuberculosis

Tuberculosis affects almost every organ of the body, and the breast is no exception. However, tuberculosis of the breast is rare, and the varied presentation requires a high index of suspicion, especially in middle-aged women for whom a clinical diagnosis of malignancy is likely to be made. We report two cases of primary tuberculosis of breast with different manifestations. One case presented as tuberculous mastitis and the other presented with a lump masquerading as breast carcinoma. The diagnosis in both cases was based on demonstration of acid-fast bacilli on histopathological examination. Resolution was complete with antitubercular therapy, and major surgical intervention was not necessary.