Surgical management of severe mammary hidradenitis suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a devastating disease of the apocrine sweat glands. The chronic form is characterized by a malodorous discharge from multiple draining sinuses embedded in dense fibrous tissue, and physical discomfort. The disease commonly affects the axillary, perineal, and perianal regions. A case of hidradenitis suppurativa of the mammary gland necessitating mastectomy is presented here to illustrate the severity of the disease at an uncommon site. As in other regions of the body, aggressive surgical intervention provides a chance for rapid recovery. The surgical treatment should be tailored to the severity of the disease.