Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Breast tuberculosis is a rare form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis that can closely mimic other breast diseases, particularly pyogenic abscesses and breast cancer, making its diagnosis challenging. We report the case of a 31-year-old woman who presented with a breast swelling initially managed as a pyogenic abscess. Despite antibiotic therapy with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, no clinical improvement was observed. Given the persistent breast lesion, further investigation was performed, including a percutaneous breast biopsy. Histopathological examination revealed epithelioid and giant cell granulomas with caseous necrosis, findings strongly suggestive of breast tuberculosis. The patient was subsequently managed with antituberculous therapy, with favorable clinical evolution. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges associated with breast tuberculosis, particularly its clinical and radiological similarity to breast cancer and bacterial breast abscesses. A high index of suspicion is essential, especially in endemic settings or in patients with breast lesions that do not respond to conventional antibiotic treatment. Histopathological examination remains crucial for establishing the diagnosis and avoiding inappropriate or potentially mutilating surgical treatment.
Source: Cureus
Institution: Université Ibn Zohr
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7220993377