Severe gestational gigantomastia: management challenges.

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Surgical Oncology
• Plastic Surgery

Background:

• Gestational gigantomastia is a rare condition characterized by rapid, disproportionate breast enlargement during pregnancy.
• Surgical intervention, often involving the removal of over 1500g of breast tissue, is frequently required.
• This condition has been sparsely reported globally, with no prior cases documented in South African literature.

Observation:

• A multiparous patient presented with gigantomastia at five weeks of gestation.
• The patient experienced significant physical and emotional distress due to the large, pendulous breasts.
• The decision was made to terminate the pregnancy due to the severity of the condition.

Findings:

• The management involved a staged surgical approach, including breast reduction and free nipple grafting.
• Complications associated with the surgical procedures were documented.
• Despite the rarity and challenges, the patient achieved satisfaction with the outcome.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of recognizing and managing gestational gigantomastia, even in unusual presentations.
• The report contributes novel data to the limited global literature, specifically from a South African context.
• Successful surgical management can lead to improved patient well-being and satisfaction, even in complex cases.