Abstract
Tubercular mastitis (TM), a great masquerader, is extremely rare in elderly. Diagnosis
becomes challenging when patient’s age and clinical features favor carcinoma, as in
our case, where a 70-year-old female presented with right breast lumps associated
with overlying ulcers and right supraclavicular lymphadenopathy. Fine-needle aspiration
cytology of breast lump and lymph node followed by special staining and culture confirmed
TM and lymphadenitis. Antitubercular therapy was initiated, and the patient got prompt
relief. Here, we have discussed clinicocytological aspects of TM mimicking as carcinoma
breast and diagnostic approach that should be undertaken. The case highlights the
value of precise diagnosis, as specific treatment is indicated for tubercular and
other granulomatous mastitis; placing an emphasis on meticulous investigation to rule
out possibility of lethal malignancy in elderly; and necessity to always keep possibility
of even rare entity like TM, irrespective of age, especially in India, where tuberculosis
is endemic.
Keywords
Breast - carcinoma - elderly - fine-needle aspiration cytology - granulomatous - mastitis
- tubercular
