BREAST ABSCESS AS INITIAL MANIFESTATION OF PAPILLARY NEOPLASM: A RARE PRESENTATION

Breast abscesses are a common clinical presentation, often associated with benign conditions like mastitis. However, in rare cases, they may conceal an underlying malignancy, particularly in postmenopausal women. We report the case of a 77-year-old female who presented with typical symptoms and signs of a breast abscess. Despite standard treatment with incision and drainage, a biopsy of the abscess wall revealed a malignant papillary neoplasm. The histopathological evaluation, supported by immunohistochemistry, identified a Luminal B subtype of breast carcinoma. This case underscores the importance of thorough diagnostic evaluation, including biopsy, in persistent or atypical breast abscesses, particularly in postmenopausal women. Early identification and multidisciplinary management are key to improving outcomes, as this patient demonstrated a positive response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and is scheduled for definitive surgical treatment. The case highlights the necessity of considering malignancy in the differential diagnosis of breast abscesses in high-risk populations.