Granulomatous mastitis: etiology, imaging, pathology, treatment, and clinical findings

Abstract

Although clinical and radiological findings of patients with GM may mimic those of breast carcinoma, our study showed that women of childbearing age, especially among Hispanic ethnicity with a recent history of pregnancy or high prolactin level and newly tender mass-like lesion, in addition to new focal asymmetry on mammogram and heterogeneous hypoechoic irregular-shaped mass on ultrasound exam, should raise concern for GM. Non-invasive approach and clinical follow-up were the preferred treatment method.

Granulomatous lobular mastitis: Clinical update and case study

“…GM has also been reported in males. 3 An association between GM and hyperprolactinaemia levels has been found in cases of pituitary disease and craniopharyngioma. 8…”

“…GM is rarely seen in nulliparous women, and the majority of patients are within five years of a pregnancy, supporting the theory of a hormonal aetiology. 3 GM is usually a sterile process; however, an association with Corynebacterium species has been found in some studies. Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii has been found to create a distinct histopathological appearance termed cystic neutrophilic granulomatous mastitis.…”

“…Patients with GM are typically women of childbearing age; a median age of approximately 35 years has been a relatively consistent finding. [2][3][4][5] Hormonal factors are hypothesised to contribute because of the association with parity, current pregnancy and the oral contraceptive pill. GM is rarely seen in nulliparous women, and the majority of patients are within five years of a pregnancy, supporting the theory of a hormonal aetiology.…”

“…In the USA, it is more common in Hispanic and African American women when compared with women of other ethnicities. 2,3 Personal or family history of breast cancer are not risk factors. GM has also been reported in males.…”

“…The most common presenting symptom is a large tender lump, often several centimetres in diameter. 2,3 Often this is associated with overlying skin changes of erythema and ulceration. Sinuses can develop, with discharge from the lesions.…”