[Tuberculosis of the breast. Report of a clinical case and review of the literature]. / La tubercolosi della mammella. Presentazione di un caso clinico e revisione della letteratura.

Tuberculosis of the breast is an uncommon disease and the correct diagnosis may be established only by histologic demonstration of granulomatous inflammatory infiltrates with central caseation. In fact, preoperative examination and mammography suggest carcinoma or sometimes bacterial abscess in most instances. Tuberculous mastitis was diagnosed in a 74-year-old woman. The case history and a review of the literature are presented. The Authors emphasize the role of excision of necrotic tissue and drainage, in combination with antimicrobial therapy, in the treatment of this pathology.