Mammary tuberculosis: report on 52 cases

Breast Tuberculosis in Iran: A Comprehensive Review

ABSTRACT

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health concern and kills millions of people every year. While TB can affect any organ in the body, breast TB is relatively uncommon. This study presents a comprehensive review of literature spanning 23 years, with a focus on cases of breast TB in Iran. Among the 96 cases found, the majority (89.6%) fell within the age range of 20-60, with a striking prevalence among women (98.9%). Common symptoms included pain and palpable mass, each presenting in approximately 60.4% of cases. Notably, only a quarter of patients had a confirmed history of exposure to a known TB case. Left breast involvement was more prevalent (58.3%), with ipsilateral lymph node enlargement observed in 40.6% of cases. Given the clinical presentation of breast TB, which often leads to misdiagnosis, a significant proportion of cases (68.7%) were diagnosed through excisional biopsy. Following a standard 6-month regimen of anti-TB drugs, relapse occurred in only 4.2% of cases. This study highlights the need for heightened awareness and vigilance in diagnosing breast TB, especially in regions with a high burden. Although breast TB poses diagnostic challenges, with prompt identification and treatment, the prognosis is generally favorable, with a low incidence of relapse.

A Retrospective Analysis of the Clinicopathological Features of Patients with Tuberculous Mastitis: A Single Institution's Experience

INTRODUCTION

Tuberculosis remains a global health burden, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Breast tuberculosis is a rare disease with minimal research available. This disease produces a diagnostic challenge as the clinical presentation is variable, and diagnosis often requires additional investigations. This study was undertaken to determine the efficacy of cytology and histology, together with ancillary studies, in diagnosing tuberculous mastitis.

METHODS

This retrospective study was conducted in a Johannesburg Hospital over 5 years. Thirty-two patients with confirmed tuberculous mastitis were included. The patients were considered positive for tuberculous mastitis if histological or cytological findings were confirmed with either a positive tuberculosis culture, Ziehl-Neelsen stain, or polymerase chain reaction examination/GeneXpert.

RESULTS

This case series comprises 3 males and 29 females with a mean age of 35.66. A breast mass was the most common presentation. Over these 5 years, more biopsies were performed on inflammatory breast lesions than fine needle aspirations. There was a higher confirmation rate for cytology diagnoses compared to histology diagnoses.

CONCLUSION

This study supports using fine needle aspiration combined with GeneXpert as the primary diagnostic modality in diagnosing tuberculous mastitis. This test combination is advantageous in resource- and financially constrained environments as it is relatively simple to perform, cost-effective, and has a rapid turnaround time.

Primary Tubercular Breast Abscess in an Indian Female: A Rare Case

Tuberculosis is widespread in developing countries, which usually presents as pulmonary tuberculosis. However, cases of extrapulmonary tuberculosis at sites other than the lungs are also reported. The present case is a rare variety of extrapulmonary tuberculosis presenting as a primary tubercular breast abscess in an Indian female with no pulmonary involvement and no history of tuberculosis. A detailed clinical workup led to the final diagnosis, and she was put on anti-tuberculous treatment per the national guidelines.

Is it tuberculosis mastitis or granulomatous mastitis? A thirteen-year experience at a university hospital

BACKGROUND

Granulomatous mastitis (GM) is a rare inflammatory disease of the breast. Tuberculosis mastitis (TM), one of the causes of GM, is a rare form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. The clinical, radiological, and histopathological findings of TM and GM are similar, and sometimes it is difficult to make a distinction between these disease states. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiological features, diagnostic techniques, treatment modalities and treatment outcomes of the patients with GM and TM.

METHODS

The data of the patients with confirmed GM by histopathologic examination of biopsy specimens between 2007 and 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic features, main complaints, physical findings, radiological and laboratory data, treatment modalities, and treatment outcomes were recorded.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight GM patients with a mean age of 35.8 (18-63) years were evaluated. The patients had a mass lesion, pain, ulceration,and abscess in their breasts. All of the cases were female. Ultrasonographic examinations were performed on 62 cases. Abscess and/or sinus tract formation was detected in 34, heterogeneous hypoechoic mass in 15, heterogeneous parenchyma or parenchymal edema in 15, axillary lymphadenopathy in 18 and cysts in 13 patients. A total of 10 patients were lost to follow-up. Twenty-six patients underwent surgery for their breast lesions or had antibiotherapy (n = 13) or corticosteroid therapy (n = 7). Eleven (16.1%) patients were diagnosed with TM. These patients were evaluated by clinical examination, chest radiography, and tuberculin skin test. Acid-fast bacilli (AFB) staining and culture were negative in all cases. The diagnosis of TM was based on histopathological evaluation results. Eight of the 11 patients achieved complete remission with antituberculosis treatment.

DISCUSSION

The etiological diagnosis of GM must be based on a multidisciplinary approach. Tuberculosis mastitis should become a part of differential diagnosis of breast diseases in populations with high incidence of tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis of the breast neoplastic-like about two report cases: A rare often unrecognized diagnosis

Tuberculosis of the breast is a very rare infection; it occurs chiefly in women of childbearing potential, usually as an apparently primary infection and constitutes a diagnosis and therapeutic challenge. Administration of antituberculous agents is the mainstay of therapy. Surgery is required in some cases. We report tow cases of breast tuberculosis. The diagnosis has been established on histology. Outcome was favorable under anti bacillary treatment. Through the literature data we recall the epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic and treatment of this pathology.

Co-existent breast malignancy and contralateral primary axillary tuberculosis

Breast tuberculosis is an extremely rare entity representing less than 0.1% of all breast disease in developed countries. Tuberculous infections within the United Kingdom have seen a steady decline with the highest rates present within North West London where infection rates reach 24.8 per 100,000.

The presentation can mimic malignancy and lymphatic involvement of the breast both clinically and mammographically, with nodules within the upper outer quadrant, making accurate diagnosis challenging. Approximately, 30% of breast TB cases present with axillary lymphadenopathy and a recent case series review of approximately 44 cases in London found that the most common presenting feature was a solitary breast lump in 87% of cases.⁴

We present a case of a patient presenting with primary malignancy and contralateral nodal disease highly suspicious for breast malignancy. Subsequent investigation led to the identification of synchronous localized cancer and tuberculous lymphadenitis.

Synchronous presentation is uncommon and recognition and differentiation is vital as axillary lymph node metastasis is the most important factor in the staging of breast carcinoma and determining the subsequent oncological and surgical management.

Breast tuberculosis presenting with intractable mastitis: a case report

Background

Breast tuberculosis, also known as tuberculous mastitis, is an extremely rare form of tuberculosis. It accounts for <0.1% of all breast diseases and <2% of all cases of tuberculosis. It is often misdiagnosed as breast cancer, which can potentially lead to a delayed diagnosis.

Case presentation

A 69-year-old Japanese woman presented with a tumor-mimicking lesion in her right breast, followed by intractable mastitis with a fistula formation. The time until the correct diagnosis of tuberculosis of the breast and sternal bone was 14 months.

Conclusions

Although rare, it is important to recognize that tuberculous mastitis can present as refractory abscesses/mastitis or mass lesions that mimic carcinomas in women of reproductive age and elderly people. Breast tuberculosis should always be considered in the differential diagnoses, particularly in patients with a history of tuberculosis and those living in areas where tuberculosis is endemic.

Breast tuberculosis: a diagnosis not to be forgotten

Objective:

To study the clinical characteristics and imaging features of breast tuberculosis (TB) and to describe treatment.

Material and Methods:

A retrospective study including all patients hospitalized in the infectious diseases department for breast TB between 1997 and 2018.

Results:

Twenty-two women, with a mean age of 39±12 years, were identified. In total, 18 patients were multiparous (81.8%). Both lump and mastalgia were the presenting symptoms in 19 cases (86.3%). Ipsilateral axillary lymphadenopathy was noted in 14 cases (63.6%). The most common finding on ultrasound was a well or poorly defined mass lesion, noted in 17 cases (77.2%), followed by fistulous tracts in seven cases (31.8%). Mammography showed focal, asymmetric breast density in 17 cases (89.5%) and diffuse in two cases (10.5%). The diagnosis was confirmed based on the presence of epithelioid cell granulomas and caseous necrosis in 13 cases (59.1%). Patients received antitubercular therapy for a mean duration of 11±5 months. The disease evolution was favorable in 20 cases (91%). There were two relapsing cases (9%).

Conclusion:

Breast TB should be considered in the differential diagnosis of young patients presenting with palpable lump with axillary lymphadenopathy, especially in endemic regions. The diagnosis confirmation usually requires an excision biopsy providing histological or bacteriological evidence.

Primary breast tuberculosis: imaging findings of a rare disease

Breast tuberculosis is a rare form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis which tends to affect females of reproductive age, and is much rarer in males, postmenopausal women, and pre-pubescent girls. It is difficult to diagnose because it can mimic benign conditions such as a fibroadenoma, as well as malignant diseases like a carcinoma. It is also particularly difficult to distinguish breast tuberculosis from granulomatous mastitis, so other possible diagnoses should be ruled out first. The diagnosis of breast tuberculosis has three essential pillars: clinical examination, radiological evaluations, and histopathological sampling. Radiological evaluations are not only critical in diagnosis but are also important in the planning of the treatment and during the follow-up. This paper aims to review the imaging findings and the differential diagnosis of breast tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis of the breast: analysis of 17 cases

Tuberculosis constitutes a major public health problem in the world. Certain extra-pulmonary locations of tuberculosis disease are very exceptional. Amongst these, tuberculosis of the breast is rare even in countries where this infection is endemic. This form of tuberculosis is characterized by clinical and radiological polymorphisms and might mimic other diseases, especially breast cancer. This retrospective study is entailing seventeen patients treated in the Onco-Gynecology Department of the Mohammed VI Cancer Treatment Center, in the Ibn Rochd University Hospital of Casablanca, for breast tuberculosis, over a period of three years. We report the epidemiological, clinical and paraclinical aspects and we specify the treatment and evolution of the patients.

Features of breast tuberculosis determined by ultrasound imaging: report of 45 cases

Objective

This study aimed to characterize the ultrasound (US) imaging features of breast tuberculosis (BTB) to clarify the process of disease progression and provide valuable clinical information.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 45 patients with pathologically or GeneXpert-confirmed BTB from January 2010 to December 2017. We assessed the US features of target lesions including size, shape, orientation, margin, echogenicity, calcification, posterior acoustic features, and blood-flow signal.

Results

The patients were classified with nodular (55.5%, 25/45), abscess (15.6%, 7/45), or sinus (28.9%, 13/45) type according to their US features. Forty lesions (88.9%, 40/45) extended in a parallel orientation and five extended in a non-parallel orientation. Calcifications were found in eight cases, including six macrocalcifications and two microcalcifications. Enlarged axillary lymph nodes were observed in three cases (6.7%, 3/45). In addition, 44 of the 45 cases (97.8%, 44/45) exhibited hypovascularity or avascularity according to color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI).

Conclusion

BTB lesions can be classified as nodular, abscess, or sinus type according to their US imaging features. Poor blood supply detected by CDFI might be a common US feature of BTB. Characterization of its US features may facilitate the clinical diagnosis of BTB.

Cytomorphological Spectrum of Granulomatous Mastitis: A Study of 33 Cases

Objective

Granulomatous mastitis is an uncommon benign breast disease. Varied aetiologies such as tuberculosis, foreign body reactions, sarcoidosis, fungal and parasitic infections and autoimmunity have been suggested. Pre-operative definitive diagnosis is essential for proper treatment. In developing countries like India, fine needle aspiration is still widely used as a reliable technique for preoperative evaluation of palpable breast lumps. The objective of this study is to study the cytomorphological features of different forms of granulomatous mastitis and correlate with other clinical findings including histological features.

Materials and Methods

A total of 33 cases of granulomatous mastitis were reviewed. The patients underwent fine needle aspiration. Cytomorphological features were studied in detail and correlated with histopathological features and other clinical findings.

Results

All the 33 patients showed varied cytomorphological features which included epithelioid cells/granuloma with lymphocytes/plasma cells/polymorphs with or without necrosis/caseous necrosis and with or without giant cells. Ziehl Nelson stain showed acid fast bacilli in 13 smears. Out of 17 cases, the eight cases showed positive acid fast bacilli culture. Fungal stain such as Grocott-Gommeri Methane amine did not show fungi. Based on cytomorphological features in aspiration smears, they were grouped into 4 Groups. A total of 27 breast lesions were diagnosed as tuberculous mastitis, the four lesions were diagnosed as idiopathic granulomatous lobular mastitis and two lesions were diagnosed as foreign body granulomatous mastitis. Grocott-Gommeri Methane amine did not showed fungi. Based on cytomorphological features in aspiration smears, they were grouped into 4 Groups. A total of 27 breast lesions were diagnosed as tuberculous mastitis, the four lesions were diagnosed as idiopathic granulomatous lobular mastitis and two lesions were diagnosed as foreign body granulomatous mastitis.

Conclusion

Epithelioid granulomas with caseous necrosis with or without acid fast bacilli in cytology smears are diagnostic of tuberculosis. Cytology smears showing epithelioid granulomas with predominant polymorphs without necrosis and acid fast bacilli, a diagnosis of idiopathic granulomatous lobular mastitis must be considered. Histopathological examination is essential for definitive diagnosis in these cases.

Breast Tuberculosis in Women: A Systematic Review

Breast tuberculosis (TB) is rarely reported and poorly described. This review aims to update the existing literature on risk factors, clinical presentations, constitutional symptoms, diagnostic procedures, and medical and surgical treatments for breast TB. In all, 1,478 cases of breast TB were collected. Previous history of TB was reported in 19% of cases. The most common clinical appearance of the lesion was breast lump (75%). The most common associated finding was axillary lymphadenitis (33%) followed by sinus or fistula (24%). The most common symptoms were pain and fever, reported in 42% and 28% of cases, respectively. The most used diagnostic method was fine-needle aspiration cytology (32%), followed by biopsy (27%), acid-fast bacteria Ziehl-Neelsen stain (26%), culture (13%), and polymerase chain reaction (2%). These tested positive in 64%, 93%, 27%, 26%, and 58% of cases, respectively. The majority (69%) of patients received a 6-month anti-TB treatment (isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol). Surgery consisted of excision in 39% of cases, drainage in 23%, and mastectomy in 5%. The great majority of patients had a positive outcome. It often mimics breast cancer, which makes it difficult to diagnose. Most patients, when diagnosed in time, respond to antitubercular therapy alone.

Breast tuberculosis: A case report of primary type mammary tuberculosis

Mammary tuberculosis is exceptional in developed countries. It can mimic an abscess or a granulomatous mastitis. In subjects coming from endemic areas, it is necessary to suspect a tuberculosis infection in case of recurrent mastitis refractory to antibiotics. Positivity of Quantiferon-TB Gold assay can help to confirm the clinical suspicion.

Breast Abcess and Tuberculosis and its Diagnostic Challenges: A Two-Year Prospective Study in Karachi, Pakistan

Breast tuberculosis (TB) is rare among extrapulmonary tuberculosis cases, and the diagnosis is usually preceded by a high index of suspicion and findings of granulomatous lesions. We conducted this study to evaluate different clinical presentations of breast TB, including its diagnosis and association with lactation. We also examined the association of breast TB with TB elsewhere in the body and contact history. This prospective, descriptive study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan from March 2017 to March 2019. The study population consisted of 100 women of age ranging from 30 to 39 years after 10 patients were lost to follow-up. After providing informed written consent and a histopathology or culture report, participants completed a proforma. We used IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 22.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) to analyze the data, which were kept confidential. Twenty-four patients had diabetes, while 36 patients had no comorbidities. The most consistent symptoms were breast pain (98%), breast lump (89%), fever (83%), and discharge (45%). Of the 100 women, 34 were diagnosed with TB, while 66 women had nonspecific inflammation. Sixty-nine women were lactating, and 31 were nonlactating. Of the 69 lactating women, 21 had been diagnosed with TB while 48 had nonspecific inflammation. TB represents a great burden in underdeveloped countries like Pakistan. Therefore, concerned departments must take necessary action to facilitate early diagnosis and prompt treatment.

Breast tuberculosis in East London: A 13-year retrospective observational study

SETTING

Breast tuberculosis (TB) is rare in Western Europe, and its diagnosis may be delayed through lack of awareness of presenting features. Our institution serves a large East London population with a high incidence of TB.

OBJECTIVE

To characterize presenting features and avoidable diagnostic delay in breast TB patients.

DESIGN

We conducted a 13-year retrospective study of breast TB patients treated at our institution including demographic, clinical, microbiology, and pathology data.

RESULTS

Forty-seven cases were included; 44 (94%) were female, with a median age of 33 years (IQR 28.5-39.5). The main presenting feature was a breast lump in 41 cases (87%); which were predominantly solitary unilateral lesions (25, 61%) and frequently located in the upper outer quadrant (28, 68%). Where performed, Mycobacterium tuberculosis was cultured in 15/36 (42%) cases. Granulomata were present on biopsy or aspirate in 21 (47%) and 17 (36%) cases, respectively. The median duration between symptom onset and treatment was 20 weeks (IQR 15-30). Forty-six (98%) completed treatment successfully and one relapsed.

CONCLUSION

A high index of suspicion for TB is required for individuals presenting with breast symptoms from countries where TB is endemic. Development of standardized pathways may improve detection and management of breast TB may reduce diagnostic delay.

Tuberculous mastitis: A review of 32 cases

BACKGROUND

Breast tuberculosis (TB) is a rare disease, still present in endemic areas. The significance of breast TB is due to its rare occurrence and its resemblance to malignant breast lesions. The objective of this study was to study various clinical presentations and imaging features of different forms of tuberculous mastitis.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted over a 10-year period. Thirty-two consecutive patients diagnosed with tuberculous mastitis were included.

RESULTS

There was only one male patient in this series. The patients ranged in age from 25 to 60 years (mean age was 33.69 years). A solitary breast mass was the most common clinical presentation, which was associated with inflammatory findings in the majority of cases. The most common mammographic finding was diffusely increased density and the most common pathological finding was solitary mass. The most common appearance on ultrasound was of multiple intercommunicating breast masses with axillary lymphadenopathy.

CONCLUSIONS

Breast TB should be considered in the differential diagnosis in the presence of a painful breast mass, discharging sinuses, mastitis, or a breast abscess that does not respond to conventional medical treatment. A multidisciplinary approach is required to aid timely diagnosis and to provide appropriate management and treatment in order to avoid complications.

Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis Presenting as a Suspected Case of Metastatic Breast Cancer

Extrapulmonary tuberculosis (TB) represents a diagnostic challenge. Bone TB is an uncommon and important presentation of extrapulmonary TB, which can lead to bone destruction, deformity and even paraplegia. Breast TB is rare and often confused with neoplasia, since the clinical and imaging presentations are not specific. Any of these extrapulmonary TB presentations, in the absence of cultural isolation of mycobacteria, oblige the exclusion of other diseases (secondary or infectious diseases). The authors report a case of multifocal extrapulmonary TB, as an example of the problem with the differential diagnosis of the disease.

LEARNING POINTS

Extrapulmonary TB remains a diagnostic challenge.Consider breast TB as a differential diagnosis of mammary nodules.A high level of suspicion is necessary to make an early diagnosis and start appropriate treatment before irreversible damage takes place.

Breast tuberculosis cases rising in Sicily

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Mammary tuberculosis (TM) is an extremely rare condition.

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The differential diagnosis between breast cancer and breast tuberculosis is very important.

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It was possible to identify the Mycobacterium tuberculosis in between nucleic acid probes and PCR.

Introduction

Our work has been reported in line with the SCARE criteria [21].

Mammary tuberculosis (TM) is an extremely rare condition (Khanna et al., 2000 [1]). It has been estimated to be 0.1% of breast lesions examined histologically, but it reaches 3–4% in countries such as India and Africa where the disease shows a high incidence. This disease can present a diagnostic problem in radiological and microbiological investigations, and thus extreme caution is necessary.

Presentation of case

A 26 year-old Eritrean female with a personal history of HIV infection came to our Emergency Department showing generalized limphoadenopathy and weakness in addition to a huge right breast mass. Our examination revealed a tender mass measuring 12 × 10 cm that involved all right breast. Her skin was not erythematous and local temperature was normal. She was painless.

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) showed a milky and greenish shaded fluid.

Conclusions

Nowadays the differential diagnosis between breast cancer and breast tuberculosis is very important, mostly in Italy and in particular in Sicily, where the massive influx of immigrants has compelled physicians to reconsider the presence of !tuberculosis.

Breast tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) of breast is an uncommon entity even in endemic regions. Moreover, it is seldom reported. It often presents in young lactating females as a painless breast lump and confused with breast malignancy or pyogenic abscess. A high index of suspicion is required. Fine needle aspiration cytology is important to direct the patient to further tests pertaining to TB. New diagnostic modalities based on detection of nucleic acids have improved the accuracy and cut down the time to diagnosis. Anti-tubercular chemotherapy remains the standard of care. Surgical intervention is seldom required. The fact that the disease being rare, having symptom overlap with commonly prevalent breast malignancy and potentially curable, it becomes important to analyze the presentation, available investigative modalities for early goal directed treatment.

Breast tuberculosis in men: A systematic review

Setting

Breast tuberculosis in male is a rarely reported and poorly described condition.

Objective

To quantify the number of breast tuberculosis in men, to describe clinical presentation and to present the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures applied.

Design

A systematic review of the literature including reports published in English, Spanish and French until December 2017.

Results

The search yielded 26 cases of male breast tuberculosis, median age 56.5 years. Most presented with an isolated breast lump (89%), associated with axillary lymphadenitis (27.8%) and skin inflammation (33.3%). The most common constitutional symptoms were pain (64.7%) and fever (35.3%). Fine-needle aspiration cytology and culture were the most common diagnostic modality (61.5%). Standard anti-tuberculosis regimen was the main treatment, alone or accompanied or preceded by incision and drainage.

Conclusions

The risk of breast tuberculosis in men appears to be low, but the condition can be difficult to diagnose and the diagnostic delays can be long. Overall prognosis is good following standard anti-tuberculosis regimen with or without incision/drainage.

Unusual Case of Bilateral Tubercular Mastitis

Bilateral involvement of the breast with tuberculosis is extremely rare. It most commonly affects young lactating multiparous females, although rarely it may be reported in prepubescent males also. We present a case of a 27-year-old nulliparous female who presented with a history of multiple pus discharging sinuses around both areolae and was diagnosed as a case of bilateral tubercular mastitis. Tubercular mastitis being a paucibacillary disease, diagnosis is often difficult. Treatment consists of antitubercular therapy with or without surgery.​

Clinical and Cytological Spectrum of Granulomatous Mastitis and Utility of FNAC in Picking up Tubercular Mastitis: An Eight-Year Study

INTRODUCTION

Granulomatous Mastitis (GM) is a rare, benign, inflammatory disease of the breast. It is a well known mimicker of malignancy, clinically and radiologically. Patients are often subjected to number of tests for the right diagnosis. Non-specific Granulomatous Mastitis (NGM) and Tubercular Mastitis (TBM) are chief among the various causes of GM. They are important to be diagnosed early as their treatment varies significantly. Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) is simple, patient friendly and primary investigation modality in cases of lump in breast.

AIM

To find out the utility of FNAC in differentiating NGM and TBM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All cases of granulomatous mastitis diagnosed on cytology over eight years were retrospectively retrieved. The clinical and radiological history was obtained from the patient file. The slides were stained with haematoxylin and eosin stain as well as Leishman stains. Special stains like Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) and Ziehl Neelsen (ZN) stain were used for fungus and Mycobacteriumtuberculosis respectively. Histopathological correlation of the available cases was done. Clinical presentation and cytological morphology of individual cases was studied in detail.

RESULTS

Twenty one cases of GM obtained, of which 16 were NGM and five were TBM. Both diseases were common among young reproductive women who presented with unilateral breast lump of varying duration. Almost 25% of NGM and 60% of TBM has clinical suspicion of malignancy. About 30% had radiological suspicion of malignancy. Nearly 62.5% of NGM patients had painful swelling and none of tubercular mastitis patients had pain. About 31% of NGM patients underwent prior abscess drainage and 40% of TBM patients gave history of tuberculosis. Almost 6.25% of NGM and 60% of TBM had axillary lymphadenopathy. Cytologically epithelioid cells were identified in 100% of patients whereas, granulomas were seen in 62.5% and 80% of NGM and TBM smears respectively. Langhans giant cells were frequent among TBM and foreign body giant cell among NGM. Caseous necrosis was seen in 60% of TBM and absent in NGM smears.

CONCLUSION

Though, NGM and TBM is said to have overlapping features, our study highlights few clinical and cytological differences which aid in differentiating the two entities at primary level. FNAC along with special stain must be advocated as the primary tool of diagnosis in cases of GM.

Retrospective analysis of seven breast tuberculosis cases

The present study aimed to evaluate the demographic data, diagnostic methods, therapeutic regimens and duration of therapy in 7 breast tuberculosis (BTB) cases. The data of BTB cases treated between January 2006 and December 2013 were retrospectively evaluated, with a total of 648 tuberculosis (TB) cases recorded during the 8-year period. Among these cases, 296 patients (50%) suffered from pulmonary TB, 278 (43%) from non-pulmonary TB and 45 (7%) from PTB plus NPTB. In total, 7 BTB were diagnosed, which constituted 1.08% (7/648) of all TB cases and 2.51% (7/278) of all NPTB cases. The mean age of patients was 34±9.46 years, with no pregnant or lactating women. Bilateral breast involvement was detected in only 1 case, while all cases had a BCG scar, and obtained a mean tuberculin skin test (TST) result of 14.28±6.79 mm (range, 7-26 mm). The symptoms included presence of a mass, tenderness, pain, swelling and fluctuation in the breast, with or without discharging sinuses. In 1 case, history of contact with TB was found. All patients were newly-diagnosed BTB cases, with no other organ involvement. Upon histopathological examination of breast tissue, granulomatous inflammation with typical caseous necrosis was observed in 1 case, non-caseous necrosis inflammation was detected in 2 cases, granulomatous inflammation was observed in 3 cases, and mastitis and fat necrosis inflammation was observed in 1 case. Acid-fast bacilli (AFB) staining was positive in only 2 cases, and all patient were treated with anti-TB drugs with a successful outcome and no recurrence. In conclusion, BTB is a rare form of TB and the present retrospective study reported 7 cases of BTB along with the results of histopathological examination, microbiological examination and treatment. TB must be considered when there is presence of breast masses presenting with tenderness, pain, swelling and fluctuation, with or without discharging sinuses.

Tuberculous cold abscess of breast: an unusual presentation in a male patient

Tuberculosis (TB) of breast is a rare condition especially presentation as a cold abscess. We present a case of male patient with TB of lung and meninges with a cold abscess in the breast. The abscess was incidental finding on the computed tomography (CT) scan. This was further managed by a combination of anti-tuberculous chemotherapy treatment and surgical drainage. We reviewed the current literature related to mammary TB, its presentations and treatment.

Clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic management of patients with breast tuberculosis: Analysis of 46 Cases

Breast tuberculosis is a rare form of extrapulmonary tubercular infection. Our aim is to highlight the nonspecific clinical presentations, diagnostic difficulties and therapeutic approaches of mammarian tuberculosis. Forty-six patients diagnosed with breast tuberculosis between 2005 and 2015 were reviewed retrospectively. Clinical features, all diagnostic methods, and the outcomes of treatment were analysed. All cases were female with a mean age of 36.4 years. Breast mass and pain were the most common complaints. While 34.8% of the cases had a physical examination with suspicions for malignancy, 43.5% of the patients had Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) 4 or 5 lesions suggested malignancy radiologically. Definitive diagnosis was based on histopathologic examination through core needle biopsy (n = 29), excisional biopsy (n = 12), and open biopsy (n = 5) taken from the abscess wall during drainage. Standard antiTB therapy for 6 months was given to all cases. Thirty-three patients recovered with standard 6-month therapy while extended treatment for 9-12 months was needed in 13 (28.2%) cases. Surgery was carried out in 17 cases. Two patients developed recurrence. Breast tuberculosis can be easily confused with breast cancer, suppurative abscess, and other causes of granulomatous mastitis, both clinically and radiologically. A multidisciplinary approach is required to prevent diagnostic delays and unnecessary surgical interventions. Although antiTB therapy is the mainstay treatment of breast TB, surgery is usually indicated in patients refractory to medical treatment.

Granulomatous Mastitis: A Ten-Year Experience at a University Hospital

OBJECTIVE

In this study we aimed to define clinical, radiologic and pathological specialties of patients who applied to General Surgery Department of Atatürk University Medical Faculty with granulomatous mastitis and show medical and surgical treatment results. With the help of this study we will be able to make our own clinical algorithm for diagnosis and treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched retrospectively addresses, phone numbers and clinical files of 93 patients whom diagnosed granulomatous mastitis between a decade of January 2001 - December 2010. We noted demographic specialties, ages, gender, medical family history, main complaints, physical findings, radiological and laboratory findings, medical treatments, postoperative complications and surgical procedures if they were operated; morbidity, recurrence and success ratios, complications after treatment for patients discussed above.

RESULTS

In this study we evaluated 93 patients, 91 females and 2 males, with granulomatous mastitis retrospectively who applied to General Surgery Department of Atatürk University Medical Faculty between January 2001 and December 2010. Mean age was 34.4 years. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathologic examination of the lesions. Seventy three patients had idiopathic granulomatous lobular mastitis and 20 patients had specific granulomatous mastitis IGM (18 tuberculosis mastitis, 1 alveolar echinococcosis and 1 silk reaction). All the patients had surgical debridement or antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory treatment with results bad clinical response before applied our clinic.

CONCLUSION

Empiric antibiotic therapy and drainage of the breast lesions are not enough for complete remission of idiopathic granulomatous mastitis. The lesion must be excised completely. In selected patients, corticosteroid therapy can be useful. In the patients with tuberculous mastitis, abscess drainage and antituberculous therapy can be useful, but wide excision must be chosen for the patients with recurrent disease.

Breast Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis affects over a billion people worldwide. There is a raise in incidence of extrapulmonary tuberculosis in recent years. Mammary tuberculosis has been estimated to be 0.1 % of breast lesions examined histologically, and it constitutes about 3-4.5 % of surgically treated breast diseases in developing countries. Breast tuberculosis is paucibacillary and routine diagnostic tests such as microscopy, culture, and nucleic acid amplification tests such as polymerase chain reaction techniques do not have the same diagnostic utility as they do in pulmonary tuberculosis. Also, the histology resembles various other granulomatous mastitis. The coexistence of carcinoma and breast tuberculosis adds challenge to diagnosis. Correct diagnosis of tuberculous mastitis is important as the treatment of differential disease varies from steroid to surgery which can have devastating consequences in patients suffering from breast tuberculosis.

Tubercular and bacterial coinfection: A case series

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health issue in India. Although dual infection with tuberculosis and bacteria/fungi has been reported in immunocompromised patients, their co-occurrence in individuals with preserved immunity may complicate the clinical presentation, leading to inadequate treatment and unsatisfactory outcomes. In patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, the occurrence of tubercular lesions in atypical locations may further confound the clinical picture if only one of the pathogens is isolated, initially leading to a suboptimal therapeutic response. A strong index of suspicion and additional diagnostic testing may be required for diagnosis and treatment of the second infection. We report three unusual cases of concurrent tubercular and bacterial infection, of which two are pulmonary and one is extrapulmonary.

Systemic granulomatous diseases associated with multiple palpable masses that may involve the breast: case presentation and an approach to the differential diagnosis

Palpable mass is a common complaint presented to the breast surgeon. It is very uncommon for patients to report breast mass associated with palpable masses in other superficial structures. When these masses are related to systemic granulomatous diseases, the diagnosis and initiation of specific therapy can be challenging. The purpose of this paper is to report a case initially assessed by the breast surgeon and ultimately diagnosed as granulomatous variant of T-cell lymphoma, and discuss the main systemic granulomatous diseases associated with palpable masses involving the breast.

Tuberculous mastitis presenting as a lump: a mimicking disease in a pregnant woman case report and review of literature

Tuberculosis (TB) of the breast is a rare entity, and can be confused with many other breast disorders, like mamma carcinoma or inflammatory breast cancer. When finding granulomatous mastitis (GM) on histology, it is important to make a differential diagnosis and seek actively for clues on the presence of tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, Wegener's granulomatosis, or idiopathic granulomatous mastitis, since treatment strategies differ and maltreatment has major implications on morbidity and mortality. An extensive clinical evaluation, laboratory work up, and imaging will lead in most cases to the right diagnosis. Anti-tuberculous therapy is the core treatment for breast TB, and surgery is indicated for extensive or persistent residual disease. Here we present a case of tuberculous mastitis and a review of literature on GM.

Breast tuberculosis in northeast Iran: review of 22 cases

Background

Breast tuberculosis (breast TB) is an extremely rare disease, so case reviews are also rare.

Methods

This study is a retrospective review of patients with breast TB who were treated between 2002 and 2012 at the Health Center of Gorgan City.

Results

All 22 patients were females, their mean age was 32.4 years, and all were new cases. Patients presented with swelling of the breast (22%), lump (55%) and excretion from the involved breast (27%), and breast pain (55%). The highest rate of breast TB occurred in 2011 (27%). All patients received the DOTS regimen for a mean duration of 7.3 ± 0.7 months; in addition, segmental resection was performed on 11 patients (50%).

Conclusions

The findings confirmed that breast TB in Iran should be considered as a differential diagnosis of breast masses. All patients in our study received the daily and ‘Directly Observed Treatment Short-course’ (DOTS) regimens. Anti-tubercular therapy for six months with or without minimal surgical intervention currently is the main treatment.

Postmenopausal breast tuberculosis - report of 4 cases

BACKGROUND

Breast tuberculosis is an uncommon disease even in countries where the incidence of tuberculosis is high.

CASE REPORT

This is a case series concerning 4 postmenopausal breast tuberculosis cases encountered in Moulay Youssef Hospital between January 2007 and December 2010. Breast tuberculosis represents 0.25% of all hospitalized tuberculosis patients in our department. The mean age of our patients was 62.5 ± 5.8 years. Clinical findings were heterogeneous; 1 case was multifocal tuberculosis, and another case was coexistent tuberculosis and malignancy of the breast. Mammography and ultrasonography findings were suspicious for malignancy in all 4 cases. Fine needle aspiration was negative in 3 cases. The diagnosis was made in all patients by histological examination of biopsy specimens, which revealed typical tuberculous lesions. Anti-tuberculosis therapy formed the mainstay of treatment.

CONCLUSION

The clinical and radiological features of mammary tuberculosis can be very confusing and easily mistaken for breast cancer. Symptoms suggestive of tuberculosis warrant a biopsy to exclude possible cancer.

Primary tuberculosis of the breast presented as multiple discharge sinuses

Breast tuberculosis is a rare form of tuberculosis (TB). It is mainly classified as primary and secondary forms. Primary form is rare. We are reporting a case of primary TB breast with history of breast lump and multiple sinuses. TB was diagnosed on FNAC. Patient was put on anti-tubercular drugs.

Breast tuberculosis in immunocompetent patients at tertiary care center: A case series

The breast tuberculosis (TB) is an extremely rare manifestation for the reason that mammary cells offer great resistance to the survival and multiplication of Mycobacterium infection. The diagnosis is difficult because of nonspecific clinical and radiological findings. It is usually suspected in a multiparous, reproductive woman. We report three cases of tubercular infection of breast confirmed by either mycobacteriology, pathology or both. We described their diagnostic confirmation and six month follow-up after antitubercular treatment (ATT).

Radiologic features of granulomatous mastitis

Granulomatous mastitis (GM) is a recognized, but an uncommon cause of breast mass. Awareness of this condition is important, because it can clinically as well as radiologically mimic breast carcinoma. In this study, we present the imaging features of a series of 10 cases with proved diagnosis of granulomatous mastitis with emphasis on magnetic resonance (MR) findings. All those patients who were histologically proven to have GM of the breast were analyzed. Their files were reviewed and data recorded for demographic, clinical presentation and imaging appearances. The imaging features of the lesions by mammography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging were analyzed. Of the 305 patients who were surgically treated, 10 (3%) cases proved to have GM. All the patients were females with age ranging from 27 to 53 years (average 38 years and median age 36 years). Guided core biopsy was performed in all cases for confirmation of diagnosis followed by either excision biopsy (in five cases) or lumpectomy (in five cases). The final histopathologic results were chronic granulomatous inflammation consistent with tuberculosis in four cases and GM with acute inflammation, but unknown etiology in four cases and GM due to duct ectasia in two cases. GM, a rare breast condition, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with a breast mass associated with inflammatory change. Routine breast imaging with US, MG, or MRI, the condition from malignant lesions and biopsy, still remains the only method of definite diagnosis.

Tuberculosis of breast: unusual manifestation of tuberculosis

Tuberculosis affects almost every organ of the body, and the breast is no exception. However, tuberculosis of the breast is rare, and the varied presentation requires a high index of suspicion, especially in middle-aged women for whom a clinical diagnosis of malignancy is likely to be made. We report two cases of primary tuberculosis of breast with different manifestations. One case presented as tuberculous mastitis and the other presented with a lump masquerading as breast carcinoma. The diagnosis in both cases was based on demonstration of acid-fast bacilli on histopathological examination. Resolution was complete with antitubercular therapy, and major surgical intervention was not necessary.