Unusual presentation of bezoars and foreign body insertion in the breast as a self-harm behavior: a case report

Although they are uncommon, self-inflicted foreign bodies in the breast pose special care difficulties. Since underlying psychological issues are frequently linked to these instances, early detection and a multidisciplinary approach are necessary to improve results.

Over the course of four to five months, a 28-year-old mother developed recurring breast abscesses and draining sinuses. An ultrasound showed a cord-like structure with fluid accumulation in the right breast, and CT imaging identified the foreign matter as a broken safety pin. Saline irrigation and surgical excision were carried out. Bipolar disorder was diagnosed during a meeting with a psychiatrist. Other foreign objects, such as two hair tufts and a broken needle, were found during follow-up and extracted under local anesthetic. Because the patient did not take their psychiatric medication as prescribed, they were lost to follow-up.

Patients with unexplained breast complaints or recurrent abscesses should be evaluated for self-inflicted foreign bodies. This instance emphasizes the value of a multidisciplinary strategy that addresses the psychological as well as the physical aspects of self-harm by combining psychiatric treatment with surgical intervention.

Physicians need to be on the lookout for self-inflicted foreign bodies, especially in patients who have inconsistent medical histories or mental health conditions. Improving patient outcomes requires early discovery and thorough treatment, which includes psychological support.