Primary tuberculous infection of breast: experiences of surgical resection for aged patients and review of literature

Primary mammary tuberculosis is a rare entity that usually occurs in female of reproductive age. Herein three such patients including two males with ages over 80 years, who underwent surgical resection, are reported. Fine needle biopsy failed to achieve specific diagnosis before surgical operation. All of their conditions got satisfactory improvement and anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy was administered postoperatively. Previous literature related to the epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment for mammary tuberculosis will be also reviewed. Mammary tuberculosis is usually related to breast feeding women and is extremely rare in aged man. The possible mechanisms resulting in this disease in our three patients, including direct extension, reactivation, or transmitted by staffs or peers of the nursing home, would also be discussed