Surgical Diseases of the Breast During Pregnancy

Crystallizing Galactocele

“…2 Mammography, ultrasonography and pneumocystography generally demonstrate a fat-fluid level, but nodules of uniform density indistinguishable from a neoplasm have been described. 6,13,21,26 Unfortunately, radiographic analysis was not performed in our case. Histologically, galactoceles are uniloculated or multiloculated cystic structures lined by secretory or attenuated epithelium.…”

“…1,5,6,12,13,19,21,26 There are rare case reports of galactoceles in male infants and a 75-year-old male. 4,31 Three major factors appear to be required for the development of a galactocele: (1) present or previous stimulation by prolactin, (2) secretory breast epithelium, and (3) some cause, usually unknown, of ductal obstruction.…”

“…4,31 Three major factors appear to be required for the development of a galactocele: (1) present or previous stimulation by prolactin, (2) secretory breast epithelium, and (3) some cause, usually unknown, of ductal obstruction. 4,6,12,31 Transplacental passage of prolactin is the mechanism thought to be responsible for male infant galactoceles. 4,31 Galactoceles are discrete, flocculent, nontender, moveable masses without an associated nipple discharge.…”

“…4,19 Milky fluid with various degrees of viscosity is often obtained upon aspiration of a galactocele. 4,6,12,21 Aspiration is considered both diagnostic and therapeutic; if, however, a residual lesion remains on follow-up, excisional biopsy is recommended. 4,6,12,21 Novotny et al described the aspiration cytologic findings in five galactoceles.…”

“…4,6,12,21 Aspiration is considered both diagnostic and therapeutic; if, however, a residual lesion remains on follow-up, excisional biopsy is recommended. 4,6,12,21 Novotny et al described the aspiration cytologic findings in five galactoceles. 22 In their series, galactoceles were of low to moderate cellularity, containing small, benign, epithelial fragments and single cells demonstrating lactational change; dissociated nuclei devoid of cytoplasm and foam cells without bipolar nuclei or fibrous stroma.…”