Coexistence of carcinoma and tuberculosis in one breast.
BACKGROUND
The coexistence of breast cancer and tuberculosis is very rare. This can create a dilemma in the diagnosis and treatment as there are no pathognomonic symptoms or signs to distinguish both diseases.


METHODS
A female patient was seen in the breast clinic for a right breast lump. Clinical examination and investigation confirmed cancer and tuberculosis of the right breast. She underwent right mastectomy and axillary clearance and received chemo and radiotherapy. Unfortunately, she died of wide spread metastases.


CONCLUSIONS
The simultaneous occurrence of these two major illnesses in the breast can lead to many problems regarding diagnosis and treatment. Though rare, surgeons, pathologists and radiologists should be aware of such condition.
Alzaraa
Ahmed
A
Department of General surgery, Tameside General Hospital, Manchester, UK. ahmedwahabf@gmail.com
Dalal
Neha
N
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D018270:Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008408:Mastectomy; D008875:Middle Aged; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy