The differential diagnosis and management of breast lumps in the tropics

Abstract

Breast cancer is less common in the Tropics than in the West, but presents a formidable challenge due to late presentation. Public education is vital if the outcome is to be improved. There are many benign pathologies which present similarly to cancer--this underlines the need for proper diagnosis, as mastectomy is often not necessary. It is important to remember that non-peurperal breast abscesses may be the first sign of HIV infection.