A Case of Tetanus Originating from Ulcerated Breast Cancer

We report herein on a rare case of tetanus originating from ulcerated breast cancer. A 60-year-old homeless woman was admitted to our hospital because of lockjaw. On admission, a physical examination revealed tachypnea, trismus, opisthotonus and an ulcerated right breast. There was no other skin soft tissue damage. A diagnosis of tetanus was entertained from the lockjaw and opisthotonus. Tetanus globulin, tetanus toxoid, penicillin and respiratory support were initiated. Later, a right total mastectomy was performed, and the diagnosis of breast cancer was made, however, gram positive bacilli were not detected and Clostridium tetani (C. tetani) was not cultured. It is conceivable that the ulcerated breast was contaminated with C. tetani due to the patients living conditions.