[Granulomatous lobular mastitis: a benign abnormality that mimics malignancy]

Area of Science:

• Pathology
• Oncology
• Immunology

Background:

• Palpable breast abnormalities require exclusion of malignancy.
• Granulomatous lobular mastitis (GLM) is a rare benign breast condition.
• GLM can clinically mimic breast carcinoma.

Observation:

• Three women (aged 41 and 57) presented with palpable breast abnormalities.
• Initial presentation suggested purulent inflammation or mastitis carcinomatosa.
• Mammography findings were inconclusive for definitive diagnosis.

Findings:

• Histopathology revealed lobular, non-caseating granulomatous inflammation.
• Patients were treated with prednisone and azathioprine.
• Recurrence in the contralateral breast was observed in two patients, necessitating further medical treatment.

Implications:

• Histological needle biopsy is crucial for accurate GLM diagnosis.
• Immunosuppressive therapy demonstrates effectiveness in managing GLM.
• Minimally invasive diagnosis and immunosuppressive treatment are preferred over surgical intervention for GLM.