The Coexistence of Carcinoma and Tuberculosis in One Breast: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Introduction: Although tuberculosis has been a very common disease in endemic areas, isolated involvement of the breast was uncommon. The coexistences of breast carcinoma and tuberculosis mastitis was very rare but could create a dilemma in the diagnosis and treatment, as there were usually no pathognomonic features to differentiate malignancy from breast tuberculosis. Case Presentation: We have reported the case of a 40-year-old woman referred with a painful lump in her left breast and nipple retraction. Mammography has shown an irregular mass and pleomorphic micro calcifications. Breast ultrasound has revealed a hypo echoic irregular mass. The first diagnosis was breast carcinoma. Histological study confirms high grade ductal carcinoma in situ. There was also evidence of tuberculosis mastitis at histological examination of the breast specimen. Conclusion: Breast tuberculosis has known as a rare disease even in endemic countries. Coexistence of breast carcinoma and tuberculosis mastitis is very rare but it could lead to many problems regarding diagnosis and treatment.