Diagnostic Challenges and Insights Into Granulomatous Mastitis: A Systematic Review

Granulomatous mastitis (GM) is a chronic inflammatory breast condition that presents significant diagnostic challenges due to its clinical and imaging similarities to malignancies. Accurate diagnosis is crucial to avoid unnecessary interventions and ensure effective management. A total of 1,216 articles were initially identified through a comprehensive database search. After removing duplicates and conducting a systematic review, 73 studies were shortlisted for full-text evaluation, with 31 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. These studies were analyzed to extract data on diagnostic methodologies, sample sizes, accuracy, and limitations. The review highlights the central role of histopathology in the definitive diagnosis of GM, supported by adjunctive tools such as contrast-enhanced ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and polymerase chain reaction. Imaging modalities, while valuable, often lack specificity and require histological confirmation. Emerging techniques, including quantitative imaging parameters and molecular diagnostics, offer promise in enhancing diagnostic precision. A multidisciplinary approach integrating clinical, radiological, and histopathological findings remains critical. GM diagnosis requires a nuanced approach combining traditional and emerging techniques. Histopathology remains the gold standard, but advancements in imaging and molecular diagnostics provide new avenues for improving accuracy and guiding management. The findings emphasize the need for further research and standardized diagnostic protocols to address the complexities of GM.