[Inflammatory processes of the breast]

Results are reported of a statistical study of the inflammatory processes in the mammary gland, based on data of the biopsy files at the Department of Pathology of the Research Medico-Biological Institute in Sofia for the period 1981-1985. Among 1498 biopsy specimens examined during this period, there were 27 cases of mastitis (1.8 per cent: 5 acute mastitis, 12 chronic diffuse, 10 granulomatous (one of them tuberculous), 2 lipogranulomas and 7 foreign type granulomas. Mean patient age was 45 years. Recognition of nonspecific inflammatory processes in the mammary gland is no problem for the experienced pathologist. Of major important is the evaluation of granulomas with the presence of necrosis, epithelioid and Langhans type giant cells for early diagnosis of such grave disease, as tuberculosis.