Breast cancer in lactating mothers: A case series of delayed diagnosis

Due to pregnancy related changes in the breast, a breast feeding mother as well as the health care professionals may attribute a change in the breast for lactation resulting in a delay in evaluation and diagnosis. We report a cases series of delayed diagnosis of breast cancer during lactation in three young patients from a developing country who had sought medical attention on time but was unfortunately diagnosed late.

We report three breast feeding mothers aged 38-39 years presenting with breast lump and edema. All patients had an ultrasonography of breast performed at least once and the radiological findings were attributed to physiological changes initially despite non-resolving symptoms for 3-4 months. Triple assessment revealed invasive breast cancers of T4N1M0, T2N1M0, T3N2M1 staging. Two patients were treated with a curative intent and the patient with metastatic cancer was referred for palliative chemotherapy.

Lactational mastitis, breast abscesses, galactoceles, breast edema are benign conditions that are unique in lactation period, but it is important not to overlook that the lactating women may develop any of the other breast problems seen in the non-lactating female population.

Our case series represent very similar scenarios of delayed or missed diagnosis of breast cancer in young lactating women. A lactating patient should be referred to a specialist center and/or a complete assessment of the breast should be performed in case of any red flags findings to avoid missing a sinister diagnosis.