Breast Tuberculosis vs Breast Cancer in Bangladesh: A diagnostic Ambiguity

Abstract

Tuberculosis is a major public health problem in developing country like Bangladesh, whereas breast tuberculosis is known as an uncommon disease, which placed physicians in an ambiguous state for diagnosis in contrast to breast tumor or breast cancer. This disease is accountable for 1.2% of all breast diseases according to World Health Organization. In this study, we presented 39 cases of breast tuberculosis confirmed by histopathological or cytopathological test, tuberculosis culture test and Ultrasonography (USG) during a period of 2 years in "Tasmia Tahmid Breast Care Hospital," Dhaka. Initial diagnosis was suspected clinically on the basis of lump or lumpiness and/or solitary or multiple chronic discharging sinuses in the breast or axilla. All patients were female and their age range from 14yrs to 55yrs. Among 39 cases, 24 (61.53 %) patients showed symptoms on right breast, 9 on left breast (L/B), 1 midline skin tuberculosis and rest 5 are bilateral (B/L) tuberculosis. All patients were treated with drug combination of anti-tubercular therapy for 6 to 12 months. However, 9 patients required some forms of surgery.