coexistence of carcinoma and granulomatous inflammation in breast and axillary lymph nodes: a case reports

Breast carcinoma is the most common malignancy and leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women worldwide. however, breast carcinoma with an associated granulomatous inflammation in the same breast and axillary lymph nodes is unusual. this simultaneous occurrence of both diseases can complicate the neoplastic process. we present a series of four cases of invasive breast carcinoma with an associated granulomatous reaction in the breast and ipsilateral axillary lymph nodes. it is seen that axillary lymph node enlargement in cases of breast carcinoma is not always caused by metastasis of cancer. various granulomatous lesions are tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, brucellosis, foreign body reactions, cat scratch disease, lymphoma, and aids. it can also cause axillary lymphadenopathy. the presence of granulomas in association with malignancies should be further evaluated, particularly in regions with a high prevalence of tuberculosis in developing countries like india, for the possibility of coexistent tuberculosis, as this may alter the postoperative management and prognosis of the patient. accurate diagnosis is crucial for downstaging breast carcinoma, identifying curable cases, and enabling effective management of both conditions.