Tuberculosis of the Breast

Overview

Breast Tuberculosis is a rare form of tuberculosis that affects the breast tissue. It is caused by infection with the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the same organism responsible for pulmonary tuberculosis.

Although tuberculosis most commonly affects the lungs, it can sometimes involve other parts of the body, including lymph nodes, bones, and rarely the breast. Breast tuberculosis is more frequently seen in women of reproductive age and may mimic other breast conditions such as abscess or even breast cancer.

At Moolchand Hospital, patients with infectious diseases and breast disorders receive comprehensive evaluation and treatment through experienced specialists and advanced diagnostic support. As a trusted multi super speciality hospital in Delhi and a leading hospital in Lajpat Nagar Delhi, Moolchand provides evidence-based care for complex infections including tuberculosis.

What is Breast Tuberculosis?

Breast tuberculosis occurs when the tuberculosis bacteria infect breast tissue, leading to inflammation, swelling, and sometimes formation of abscesses or sinus tracts.

The infection may reach the breast through:

• Spread from nearby lymph nodes
  
  

• Bloodstream from another tuberculosis focus in the body
  
  

• Direct extension from chest wall infection
  
  

Although uncommon, early diagnosis is important because symptoms may resemble other breast diseases.

Symptoms of Breast Tuberculosis

Common symptoms may include:

• Lump in the breast
  
  

• Pain or tenderness in the breast
  
  

• Swelling or redness of the breast skin
  
  

• Formation of breast abscess
  
  

• Discharge from the nipple or skin sinus
  
  

• Enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit
  
  

• Low-grade fever or fatigue in some patients
  
  

In many cases, the condition may initially appear similar to breast infection or breast cancer.

Causes

Breast tuberculosis is caused by infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The infection can reach breast tissue through different routes.

Possible mechanisms include:

• Spread from infected lymph nodes
  
  

• Bloodborne spread from pulmonary tuberculosis
  
  

• Direct infection of breast tissue
  
  

• Extension from nearby infected structures
  
  

Certain individuals are more susceptible due to immune or health conditions.

Risk Factors

Factors that may increase the risk of breast tuberculosis include:

• Previous or active tuberculosis infection
  
  

• Weak immune system
  
  

• Malnutrition
  
  

• Close contact with tuberculosis patients
  
  

• Women in reproductive age group
  
  

• Lactation or breast trauma
  
  

Early medical evaluation is important when breast lumps or infection persist.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of breast tuberculosis requires careful clinical evaluation and laboratory confirmation.

Doctors may recommend:

• Clinical breast examination
  
  

• Ultrasound of the breast
  
  

• Mammography in selected cases
  
  

• Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC)
  
  

• Biopsy of breast tissue
  
  

• Microbiological tests for tuberculosis bacteria
  
  

These investigations help distinguish breast tuberculosis from other breast diseases.

Treatment

Breast tuberculosis is primarily treated with anti-tuberculosis medications.

Anti-Tuberculosis Therapy (ATT)

Patients usually receive a combination of medicines for several months to eliminate the infection.

Drainage of Abscess

If an abscess develops, minor surgical drainage may be required.

Surgical Treatment

In rare cases where persistent lumps or sinus tracts remain, surgical removal of affected tissue may be recommended.

At Moolchand Hospital Delhi, treatment is guided by specialists in infectious diseases and breast surgery to ensure effective recovery.

Possible Complications

If untreated, breast tuberculosis may lead to:

• Chronic breast abscess
  
  

• Sinus formation with persistent discharge
  
  

• Extensive tissue damage
  
  

• Scarring of breast tissue
  
  

• Misdiagnosis as breast cancer
  
  

Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment help prevent these complications.

Prevention

Preventive measures include:

• Early treatment of tuberculosis infections
  
  

• Good nutrition and immunity support
  
  

• Avoiding close contact with untreated tuberculosis patients
  
  

• Regular medical evaluation if symptoms appear
  
  

Public health awareness and early diagnosis play a major role in preventing tuberculosis spread.

Why Choose Moolchand Hospital?

Patients choose Moolchand Hospital for infectious disease and breast care because of:

• Experienced specialists in infectious diseases and surgery
  
  

• Accurate diagnostic facilities
  
  

• Comprehensive tuberculosis management
  
  

• Advanced imaging and laboratory support
  
  

• Convenient access for those seeking a hospital near Lajpat Nagar or hospitals in Lajpat Nagar
  
  

As a trusted Moolchand Hospital Delhi and Moolchand Hospital Lajpat Nagar, the hospital is committed to delivering compassionate and effective patient care.