Coexistence of axillary tuberculous lymphadenitis and lymph node metastasis of breast ductal carcinoma in man

case report

Abstract

The simultaneous occurrence of lymphnode tuberculosis and metastatic breast carcinoma is rare and, until the present case, there was no report in males subjects in the literature. JHSF, 66, male, with no history of pulmonary tuberculosis or family history of breast cancer, presented the main complaint of having a lump in the left breast for eight months. Imaging studies have demonstrated retroareolar lobed lump (>1,5 cm). The biopsy was positive for micropapillary invasive carcinoma. After mastectomy with sentinel lymphnode biopsy it was detected simultaneous presence of lymphnode metastasis and chronic granulomatous tuberculoid lymphadenitis in the left axilla, confirmed after axillary dryness. After treatment for tuberculosis, the patient was started on adjuvant systemic anticancer treatment, chemotherapy and hormonal. The patient continues in attendance without local recurrence or metastases. The breast cancer and tuberculoid lymphadenitis association is unlikely, but not impossible. So it should not be overlooked, especially in endemic regions of tuberculosis.