EC Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine

Introduction: The coexistence of pulmonary tuberculosis and the breast carcinoma is uncommon. Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant contributor to global morbidity and mortality. Concurrently, cancer, including breast cancer, constitutes a leading cause of death worldwide. The simultaneous occurrence of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) and breast cancer presents a rare but challenging clinical scenario. Dual pathology leads to difficulties in interpretation and inappropriate treatment of tuberculosis as well as carcinoma breast.

Observation: We report a case of a patient aged 52 years presenting a painless nodule in the right breast for two months. She has past history of pulmonary tuberculosis. The patient was given an anti-tuberculosis treatment combining Rifampicin (H), Isoniazid (I), Pyrazinamide (Z), Ethambutol (E) over 2 months. The scan and mammography revealed a long-axis node of 3 × 2 × 1 cm in the upper outer quadrant of the right breast Birads III. The breast biopsy helped diagnose an invasive carcinoma. A right mastectomy associated with a lymph node dissection was planned. In this report, we present a case of simultaneous pulmonary TB and breast cancer, highlighting the clinical features, diagnostic challenges, and therapeutic strategies. This case underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing patients with coexisting infections and malignancies to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

Conclusion: This coexistence is uncommon, of incidental discovery and necessitates a multidisciplinary care.

 Keywords: Breast Carcinoma; Tuberculosis

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