PECTORALIS MUSCLE TUBERCULAR ABSCESS MIMICKING AS BREAST LUMP : A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Lump breast is one of the most ominous conditions more so were associated with axillary lymph node both for the patient and physicians. Our patient presented with lump in the upper medial quadrant region of right breast. carcinoma breast was one of the possibilities however on detailed examination and investigation it was found to be tubercular abscess of the pectoralis major muscle situated underneath the mammary gland. Tubercular abscess of pectoralis major and that too mimicking lump breast is rare, hence we report this case. Muscular Tuberculosis is also uncommon, muscle contains myoglobin which utilizes oxygen more efficiently hence leaving no oxygen for M. tuberculosis to grow which are obligatory aerobes. Tuberculous mastitis is a rare presentation of tuberculosis that has been called the 'great masquerade' due to its multifaceted presentations. Solitary breast mass is the most common clinical presentation of tuberculous mastitis and is associated with inflammatory findings in the majority of cases.