Slow-Growing Unilateral Pectoral Mass: Would You Worry?
 
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Volume 1, Issue 1 View Issue
July-September 2026

ARTICLE HISTORY
Received 14 October 2025
Accepted 24 August 2026
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Moura A C, Pereira J Q, Choon H, Stella L, Silva T M, Gouveia C. Slow-Growing Unilateral Pectoral Mass: Would You Worry?. Infection Child J. 2026;1.
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CASE REPORTS
Slow-Growing Unilateral Pectoral Mass: Would You Worry?
Ana Cláudia Moura1, Joana Queiros Pereira2, Herminia Choon3, Lorena Stella1, Tiago Milheiro Silva1, Catarina Gouveia1.
1Pediatrics Infectious Diseases Unit, Hospital Dona Estefânia, Unidade Local de Saúde de São José, Lisbon, Portugal,
2Paediatric Surgery Unit, Hospital Dona Estefânia, Unidade Local de Saúde de São José, Lisbon, Portugal,
3Microbiology Unit, Hospital Dona Estefânia, Unidade Local de Saúde de São José, Lisbon, Portugal.
Abstract
Rib tuberculosis is a rare form of tuberculosis. We report the case of an immunocompetent adolescent, with a thoracic cold abscess, presenting with a unilateral painless pectoral mass. Imaging revealed a lytic rib lesion with a perilesional large abscess. Biopsy allowed isolation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis resistant to pyrazinamide. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are critical to prevent complications.
Why this article important?
We are pleased to submit our manuscript titled “Slow-Growing Unilateral Pectoral Mass: Would You Worry?” for consideration as a case report in the Infection in Children Journal. This report describes a rare and diagnostically challenging case of pediatric rib tuberculosis presenting as a thoracic cold abscess in an adolescent. It highlights the difficulties in recognizing such an unusual presentation and emphasizes the importance of considering tuberculosis in atypical thoracic masses. The manuscript also underscores the crucial role of household contact screening and early intervention in TB management. All authors have reviewed and approved the manuscript. Informed consent was obtained from the patient’s caregiver, and confidentiality is fully maintained.
Summary of article
This case report describes a rare extrapulmonary manifestation of tuberculosis in an adolescent, rib TB presenting as a cold abscess, which is infrequently documented in the pediatric population. It highlights the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for TB in atypical clinical presentations, particularly in endemic regions. The case also underscores the critical role of contact tracing and screening in tuberculosis control, as early identification can lead to timely treatment and better outcomes. By sharing this case, we aim to raise awareness among pediatricians and infectious disease specialists, ultimately improving diagnosis, management, and public health response to similar cases.

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