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Breast disease in sarcoidosis
E E Lower1, H H Hawkins, R P Baughman
1University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Ohio 45267-0562, USA.
Summary
Sarcoidosis patients have the expected frequency of breast cancer, which can occur before or after their sarcoidosis diagnosis. Biopsy is recommended for suspicious breast lesions in sarcoidosis patients due to overlapping symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pulmonology
- Pathology
Background:
- Breast disease in sarcoidosis presents as breast granulomas, breast cancer in sarcoidosis patients, or sarcoidosis-like reactions in breast cancer patients.
- Sarcoidosis is a multisystem inflammatory disease that can affect the breast.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between sarcoidosis and breast disease, including breast cancer.
- To determine the frequency and clinical presentation of breast disease in women with sarcoidosis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for 629 women with sarcoidosis.
- Analysis of breast findings, including mammograms and biopsies, in patients with and without breast cancer.
- Inclusion of three women with breast cancer and granulomas near tumors.
Main Results:
- 15 sarcoidosis patients (2%) presented with abnormal breast findings.
- Six sarcoidosis patients had breast granulomas; one later developed breast cancer.
- Thirteen patients had breast cancer; ten had concurrent sarcoidosis, with varied disease onset.
- Mammography and physical exams could not differentiate between breast sarcoidosis and malignancy.
Conclusions:
- Breast cancer occurs in sarcoidosis patients at an expected rate.
- The diagnosis of breast cancer can precede, follow, or coincide with sarcoidosis diagnosis.
- Biopsy is crucial for suspicious breast lesions in sarcoidosis patients due to indistinguishable clinical and imaging findings.