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.
Viveiros et al. (Wed,) studied this question.