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Diabetic fibrous mastopathy
R Lakshmanan1, M J Clarke, T C Putti
1Department of General Surgery, Alexandra Hospital, Singapore. radhika_lakshmanan@alexhosp.com.sg
Singapore Medical Journal
|June 1, 2007
Summary
Diabetic fibrous mastopathy, a rare condition, can mimic breast cancer in women with diabetes. Early diagnosis through biopsy is crucial to distinguish it from malignant tumors.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Diabetic fibrous mastopathy (DFM) is a benign breast condition associated with long-standing insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
- DFM can present as palpable breast masses, often bilateral and firm, posing a diagnostic challenge.
Observation:
- A 37-year-old premenopausal woman with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus presented with bilateral hard breast lumps.
- Initial imaging (ultrasonography and mammography) suggested malignancy.
Findings:
- Fine-needle aspiration cytology and core biopsy revealed significant fibrosis.
- An incisional biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of diabetic fibrous mastopathy, excluding malignancy.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering DFM in the differential diagnosis of breast masses in diabetic patients.
- Accurate pathological examination is essential to differentiate DFM from breast cancer, preventing unnecessary surgical interventions.
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