[A Case of Cholesterol Granuloma of the Breast Requiring Mastectomy]

An 85-year-old woman had been followed up by a local doctor for a cystic lesion of the right breast for 3 years. The lesion was frequently treated with fine needle drainage due to its tendency to slowly increase in size over time. Following the latest drainage of the cystic lesion, the patient became aware of intermittent bleeding from the drainage site, and thus, visited our emergency department. At the time of her hospital visit, the patient had a tense fist-sized mass centered on the C area of the right breast, and the mass was eruptively bleeding from the puncture scar. We performed fine needle drainage and obtained approximately 150 cc of bloody fluid. The bleeding lesion was compressed with a sink and chest band and the patient was hospitalized. When we released the pressure the next day, her right breast was as tense as the initial presentation and purpura were observed. Based on the patient's hematological findings, which showed worsening anemia, we suspected intermittent bleeding from an intracystic tumor. The patient underwent right mastectomy three days after admission. Pathologically, a diagnosis of cholesterol granuloma of the breast was confirmed.