Primary Breast Tuberculosis: A Case Report

Authors

  • Catarina Leonardo de Viveiros General Surgery Department, Hospital Padre Américo, Tâmega e Sousa, Guilhufe, Portugal https://orcid.org/0009-0003-5279-3823
  • Samuel Barros da Silva General Surgery Department, Hospital Padre Américo, Tâmega e Sousa, Guilhufe, Portugal
  • Marta Ferreira Martins General Surgery Department, Hospital Padre Américo, Tâmega e Sousa, Guilhufe, Portugal
  • Rita Lages General Surgery Department, Hospital Padre Américo, Tâmega e Sousa, Guilhufe, Portugal
  • Ana Isabel Ferreira General Surgery Department, Hospital Padre Américo, Tâmega e Sousa, Guilhufe, Portugal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.34635/rpc.1167

Keywords:

Breast Diseases/diagnosis, Breast Diseases/diagnostic imaging, Tuberculosis/diagnosis, Tuberculosis/diagnostic imaging

Abstract

Primary breast tuberculosis is a rare entity, especially in nonendemic areas, often mimicking carcinoma or pyogenic abscess. It represents a diagnostic challenge due to its nonspecific clinical and radiological features. We report the case of a 69-year-old woman presenting with a painful lump in the right breast. Clinical examination and imaging were suspicious for carcinoma. Core needle biopsy revealed granulomatous inflammation with caseous necrosis and Ziehl–Neelsen staining was positive for acid-fast bacilli. Culture confirmed Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The patient was treated with standard anti-tuberculosis therapy with complete clinical resolution. Breast tuberculosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of breast masses, particularly in endemic regions. Awareness is essential to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary surgical intervention.

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References

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Published

2026-02-28

Issue

Ahead of Print

Section

Clinical Case

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Copyright (c) 2022 Portuguese Journal of Surgery

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