Radiologic features of granulomatous mastitis

Area of Science:

• Breast Imaging
• Pathology
• Radiology

Background:

• Granulomatous mastitis (GM) is an uncommon breast condition.
• It can mimic breast carcinoma clinically and radiologically.
• Early recognition is vital for appropriate patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the imaging features of granulomatous mastitis.
• To emphasize magnetic resonance (MR) findings in GM diagnosis.
• To highlight GM's role in breast mass differential diagnosis.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 10 histologically proven GM cases.
• Review of patient demographics, clinical presentation, and imaging data.
• Analysis of mammography, ultrasound, and MRI findings.

Main Results:

• GM represented 3% of surgically treated breast masses (10/305).
• Patients were females aged 27-53 years (average 38).
• Histopathology revealed tuberculosis in 4 cases, unknown etiology in 4, and duct ectasia in 2.

Conclusions:

• GM should be considered in breast masses with inflammatory changes.
• While imaging aids diagnosis, biopsy is essential for definitive GM identification.
• Distinguishing GM from malignancy requires careful evaluation of imaging and pathology.