Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

SettingBreast tuberculosis in male is a rarely reported and poorly described condition.ObjectiveTo quantify the number of breast tuberculosis in men, to describe clinical presentation and to present the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures applied.DesignA systematic review of the literature including reports published in English, Spanish and French until December 2017.ResultsThe search yielded 26 cases of male breast tuberculosis, median age 56.5 years. Most presented with an isolated breast lump (89%), associated with axillary lymphadenitis (27.8%) and skin inflammation (33.3%). The most common constitutional symptoms were pain (64.7%) and fever (35.3%). Fine-needle aspiration cytology and culture were the most common diagnostic modality (61.5%). Standard anti-tuberculosis regimen was the main treatment, alone or accompanied or preceded by incision and drainage.ConclusionsThe risk of breast tuberculosis in men appears to be low, but the condition can be difficult to diagnose and the diagnostic delays can be long. Overall prognosis is good following standard anti-tuberculosis regimen with or without incision/drainage.

Original publication

DOI

10.1371/journal.pone.0194766

Type

Journal article

Journal

PloS one

Publication Date

01/2018

Volume

13

Addresses

European Parliamentary Research Services (EPRS), European Parliament, Brussels, Belgium.

Keywords

Humans, Tuberculosis, Breast Diseases, Biopsy, Fine-Needle, Combined Modality Therapy, Sex Factors, Publication Bias, Adult, Aged, Middle Aged, Female, Male, Symptom Assessment, Geography, Medical