subareolar tubercular abscess - a rare case report

Although many people suffer from tuberculosis worldwide, mammary tuberculosis is an extremely rare condition. It constitutes about 3-4.5% of breast diseases in developing countries. Case report: A 35 year old female presented with left breast lump since 15 -20 days. On examination, lump was measuring 3x4 cm,firm in consistency and adhered to areola. Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) was performed under aseptic conditions and on microscopy, aspirate from left breast lump showed dense acute inflammatory cells, giant cells,macrophages, many scattered squamous cells,few a nucleated squames, occasional ductal epithelial cells, many degenerated cells and RBC’s.Ziehl Neelsen (Z.N.) stain preparation was positive for Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB). FNAC from breast lesion is a simple and reliable diagnostic tool for breast tuberculosis with further confirmation by Z.N. stain for AFB.