Breast tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) of breast is an uncommon entity even in endemic regions. Moreover, it is seldom reported. It often presents in young lactating females as a painless breast lump and confused with breast malignancy or pyogenic abscess. A high index of suspicion is required. Fine needle aspiration cytology is important to direct the patient to further tests pertaining to TB. New diagnostic modalities based on detection of nucleic acids have improved the accuracy and cut down the time to diagnosis. Anti-tubercular chemotherapy remains the standard of care. Surgical intervention is seldom required. The fact that the disease being rare, having symptom overlap with commonly prevalent breast malignancy and potentially curable, it becomes important to analyze the presentation, available investigative modalities for early goal directed treatment.