Does Male Infantile Galactocele Always Necessitate Surgical Intervention?

Nada E Algethami1, Abdulrahman Taha2, Wahaj A Altalhi3

  • 1Medicine, Al Hada Armed Forces Hospital, Taif, SAU.

Cureus
|October 20, 2021
PubMed

Insights

This case report details a rare instance of unilateral galactocele, a milk-filled breast cyst, in a 14-month-old male infant. Diagnosis was confirmed via ultrasound and needle aspiration of milky fluid.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Breast Imaging
  • Surgical Pathology

Background:

  • Galactocele, a cystic dilatation of the mammary gland containing milk, typically presents as a painless breast mass.
  • This condition is exceptionally rare in the male pediatric population, with limited documented cases.

Observation:

  • A 14-month-old male infant presented with unilateral breast enlargement.
  • Physical examination revealed a fluctuant, soft, mobile, and non-tender mass in the right breast.

Findings:

  • Ultrasound imaging demonstrated a simple cystic hypoechoic mass in the affected breast.
  • Needle aspiration yielded a milky-colored fluid, confirming the diagnosis of galactocele.

Implications:

  • This case expands the literature on pediatric male galactocele, highlighting its rarity.
  • It underscores the importance of diagnostic imaging and aspiration in evaluating breast masses in infants.
  • Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for pediatric patients presenting with breast abnormalities.