Breast tuberculosis in East London: A 13‐year retrospective observational study

• DOI: 10.1111/tbj.13517
• Publication Date: 2019-09-05T05:33:57Z
• Authors: Emma McGuire; Laura Carey; Simon Tiberi; Ananna Rahman; Nivenka Jayasekera; Veronica White; Heinke Kunst
• Keywords: Adult; Male; Antitubercular Agents; Lymphadenopathy; mastitis; Mycobacterium; Breast Diseases; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Pregnancy; Culture Techniques; London; Nipple Discharge; Humans; Lactation; Tuberculosis; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; breast; Retrospective Studies; Duration of Therapy; 3. Good health; tuberculosis; Erythema; Axilla; Female; Mastodynia; Mammography

Breast tuberculosis (TB) is rare in Western Europe, and its diagnosis may be delayed through lack of awareness presenting features. Our institution serves a large East London population with high incidence TB.To characterize features avoidable diagnostic delay breast TB patients.We conducted 13-year retrospective study patients treated at our including demographic, clinical, microbiology, pathology data.Forty-seven cases were included; 44 (94%) female, median age 33 years (IQR 28.5-39.5). The main feature was lump 41 (87%); which predominantly solitary unilateral lesions (25, 61%) frequently located the upper outer quadrant (28, 68%). Where performed, Mycobacterium cultured 15/36 (42%) cases. Granulomata present on biopsy or aspirate 21 (47%) 17 (36%) cases, respectively. duration between symptom onset treatment 20 weeks 15-30). Forty-six (98%) completed successfully one relapsed.A index suspicion for required individuals symptoms from countries where endemic. Development standardized pathways improve detection management reduce delay.