Artefactual breast disease: a report of three cases

Three cases of suspected artefactual conditions of the breast are presented, one case each of recurrent bleeding, recurrent infection and atypical eczema. Involvement of the breast is rare, but may go undiagnosed in many cases. Patients are usually married and in the second half of their reproductive life. An unusual pattern of disease appearance and behavior, lack of response to treatment, inappropriate affect and a request for mastectomy are helpful in suggesting the diagnosis. A disturbance in personal relationships can often be elucidated by psychiatric assessment. Treatment is difficult and may be limited to suspecting the diagnosis, excluding organic disease and avoiding unnecessary and repetitive surgery.