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Xanthogranulomatous mastitis: clinicopathology and pathological implications
1Department of Pathology, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, Korea.
Pathology International
|April 9, 2009
Summary
Xanthogranulomatous mastitis, an uncommon breast finding, involves foamy histiocytes and inflammation. Diagnosis requires differentiating it from other breast conditions using specific stains.
Area of Science:
- Pathology
- Oncology
- Histology
Background:
- Xanthogranulomatous inflammation is rare in breast tissue.
- Characterizing its clinicopathological features is crucial for diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review cases of xanthogranulomatous mastitis.
- To determine its characteristic clinicopathological features.
- To aid in differential diagnosis from other breast pathologies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of sixteen cases of xanthogranulomatous mastitis.
- Analysis of histopathological features, including cell types and associated findings.
- Evaluation of immunohistochemical markers for differential diagnosis.
Main Results:
- Xanthogranulomatous mastitis features foamy histiocytes and inflammatory cells.
- Associated findings include fat necrosis, giant-cell reactions, and cholesterol crystals.
- It can coexist with ductal carcinoma in situ or invasive ductal carcinoma.
Conclusions:
- Duct ectasia with foamy histiocyte aggregates may indicate obstruction and rupture as etiology.
- Differential diagnosis in core biopsies includes granular cell tumor and certain invasive carcinomas.
- Immunohistochemistry (cytokeratin, alpha1-anti-trypsin, CD68) helps distinguish xanthogranulomatous mastitis from mimics.
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