Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis: A rare entity with a variable presentation

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Poovamma, C.U.^{a; *} | Pais, V. Anthony^a | Dolas, Shilpy Chauhan^a | Prema, M.^a | Khandelwal, Rohan^a | Nisheena, R.^b

Affiliations: [a] Oncoplastic Breast Unit, Mazumdar-Shaw Cancer Center, NH Multispeciality Hospital, Bangalore, Karnataka, India | [b] Department of Pathology, NH Multispeciality Hospital, Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author: C.U. Poovamma, 28, Jeremaih Road, Frazer Town, Bangalore 560005, Karnataka, India. Tel.: +91 976 03818; E-mail: mokshayou@gmail.com

Abstract: Background:Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a rare, chronic benign breast disease which may mimic a breast abscess or malignancy. It is a diagnosis of exclusion, and requires a high index of suspicion. Most patients present in the third or fourth decade of life. Case Series:We present a case series of IGM with varied presentation, as a non-resolving abscess and as a lump, clinically appearing to be malignant. Patients required repeated drainage and/or lumpectomy. Conclusion:Although IGM is considered to be autoimmune in aetiology, however other infectious aetiologies causing granulomatous mastitis and malignancy have to be ruled out by histopathology. In the event of relapse immunosuppression may be required.

Keywords: Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis, breast

DOI: 10.3233/BD-130358

Journal: Breast Disease, vol. 34, no. 3, pp. 101-104, 2014