Breast tuberculosis in East London: A 13-year retrospective observational study

Breast tuberculosis (TB) is rare in Western Europe, and its diagnosis may be delayed through lack of awareness of presenting features. Our institution serves a large East London population with a high incidence of TB.

To characterize presenting features and avoidable diagnostic delay in breast TB patients.

We conducted a 13-year retrospective study of breast TB patients treated at our institution including demographic, clinical, microbiology, and pathology data.

Forty-seven cases were included; 44 (94%) were female, with a median age of 33 years (IQR 28.5-39.5). The main presenting feature was a breast lump in 41 cases (87%); which were predominantly solitary unilateral lesions (25, 61%) and frequently located in the upper outer quadrant (28, 68%). Where performed, Mycobacterium tuberculosis was cultured in 15/36 (42%) cases. Granulomata were present on biopsy or aspirate in 21 (47%) and 17 (36%) cases, respectively. The median duration between symptom onset and treatment was 20 weeks (IQR 15-30). Forty-six (98%) completed treatment successfully and one relapsed.

A high index of suspicion for TB is required for individuals presenting with breast symptoms from countries where TB is endemic. Development of standardized pathways may improve detection and management of breast TB may reduce diagnostic delay.