Crystallizing Galactocele

Crystallizing galactocele - histopathological diagnosis of an enigmatic entity

“…9 The major predisposing factors involved in the development of galactocele are: a secretory breast epithelium, the presence of prolactin stimulation, and some form of ductal obstruction. 10 In addition to lactation, several breast lesions which result in ductal obstruction such as inflammation, tumor and generalized conditions like breast surgery, …”

“…10,11 present as discrete, flocculent, painless, mobile masses of variable duration. The lump may be single or multiple, unilateral or bilateral.…”

“…10,11,15 FNAC of galactoceles yield milky fluid with various degrees of viscosity and the size of the mass reduces after aspiration. The smears show abundant secretory material with scattered foamy macrophages and occasional epithelial cells.…”

“…1 FNAC is often considered to be both diagnostic and therapeutic in case of a galactocele. 10 On gross inspection, a galactocele is composed of cysts that contain fluid contents resembling milk. Inspissated secretion may be present in the form of soft caseous material.…”

“…12 Complications of galactoceles include difficulty in breast feeding, abscess formation and recurrence. 10 Galactoceles may sometimes mimic fibroadenoma or lactating adenoma clinically. 12 As a result of hormonal stimulation, some malignant lesions enlarge during pregnancy and can be difficult to distinguish from galacto Radiologically it is difficult to distinguish a galactocele from breast abscess and carcinoma, as the features on ultrasound have overlapping appearences.…”