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.
Authors
- Catarina Leonardo de Viveiros
- Samuel Barros da Silva
- Rita Lages
- Ana Isabel Ferreira
- Marta Ferreira Martins
Institutions
- Hospital Padre Américo (PT)
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