OBJECTIVES: We examined cases of mammary tuberculosis in order to determine the different modes of presentation and analyze diagnostic difficulties. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 14 cases of mammary tuberculosis treated at the Ibn Rochd University Hospital in Casablanca over a 16 year period. RESULTS: Patient age ranged from 16 to 65 years. Contact with a contaminated person was recognized in 2 cases. The predominant clinical presentation was a tumor formation (12 cases) which sometimes simulated cancer. Axillary nodes were observed in 10 cases with 1 case of fistulization. Mammography suggested cancer in 3 cases. The diagnosis of mammary tuberculosis was based on pathology findings in 14 cases (2 biopsies, 12 peroperative specimens) and isolation of bacilli from pus in one case. Medical treatment was given. Surgery was associated as needed (abscess drainage, residual lesions). Except for one death due to tuberculous meningoencephalitis, clinical course was favorable with ad integrun breast recovery. DISCUSSION: Mammary tuberculosis is uncommon and often produces a pseudoneoplastic presentation. Pathology confirmation is required for diagnosis.
OBJECTIVES: We examined cases of mammary tuberculosis in order to determine the different modes of presentation and analyze diagnostic difficulties. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 14 cases of mammary tuberculosis treated at the Ibn Rochd University Hospital in Casablanca over a 16 year period. RESULTS:Patient age ranged from 16 to 65 years. Contact with a contaminated person was recognized in 2 cases. The predominant clinical presentation was a tumor formation (12 cases) which sometimes simulated cancer. Axillary nodes were observed in 10 cases with 1 case of fistulization. Mammography suggested cancer in 3 cases. The diagnosis of mammary tuberculosis was based on pathology findings in 14 cases (2 biopsies, 12 peroperative specimens) and isolation of bacilli from pus in one case. Medical treatment was given. Surgery was associated as needed (abscess drainage, residual lesions). Except for one death due to tuberculous meningoencephalitis, clinical course was favorable with ad integrun breast recovery. DISCUSSION: Mammary tuberculosis is uncommon and often produces a pseudoneoplastic presentation. Pathology confirmation is required for diagnosis.