Tuberculosis of the Breast: A Challenging Component of Benign Breast Diseases

Abstract

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) of the breast is a rare manifestation of extra-pulmonary localization of the
disease. The incidences vary from a minimum in developed countries to a high in developing countries like
India and Africa.
Materials and Method: This study was a hospital-based observational study carried out in 75 cases of
benign breast disease which were studied with special reference to Tuberculosis of the breast. All patients
who were clinically diagnosed as a benign breast lump, above the age of 14-years and among them who were
willing to undergo investigations and treatment were included. Ziehl-Neelsen staining was performed in all
fine needle aspirates and finally, treatment modality used.
Results: The present study involved 67 cases of benign breast lumps and 8 cases of recurrent breast abscesses.
Further, it depicts predominant benign breast lumps which were fibroadenoma in 65.7% fibroadenosis in
23.80%, TB breast in 4.50%, ductal papilloma in 2.90% and phyllodes tumour of the breast in 1.5% of cases.
Conclusion: For the TB of the breast in India, various treatment modalities are available. With timely
diagnosis, the morbidity can be minimised with less amount of suffering.