Primary Breast Tuberculosis: A Case Report

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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Publication Details

Journal
Revista Portuguesa de Cirurgia
Published
2026-01-07
DOI
https://doi.org/10.34635/rpc.1167
Primary Topic
Breast Lesions and Carcinomas
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Primary Breast Tuberculosis: A Case Report

Catarina Leonardo de Viveiros, Samuel Barros da Silva, Rita Lages, Ana Isabel Ferreira et al.
Revista Portuguesa de Cirurgia
Breast Lesions and Carcinomas
article

Primary Breast Tuberculosis: A Case Report

Catarina Leonardo de Viveiros, Samuel Barros da Silva, Rita Lages, Ana Isabel Ferreira, Marta Ferreira Martins
article en

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.

Revista Portuguesa de Cirurgia
Hospital Padre Américo (PT)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 40%
Breast Lesions and Carcinomas
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