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.