Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis : clinical presentation and histopathological features

Abstract EN

The clinical presentation and histopathological features of twelve cases of idiopathic granulomatous mastitis who were seen at King Hussein Medical Center, Prince Hashem, and Queen Alia Military Hospitals in the period between 1999-2003 were studied retrospectively.

All cases were females of childbearing age (30-40 years) who presented with a painful breast lump.

Confusion with breast cancer and breast abscesses was the main problem, which could not be resolved conclusively by performing mammography or fine needle aspiration cytology alone.

Definite diagnosis was achieved by histopathological examination of tru-cut needle biopsies from the breast lesions.

In all cases the final diagnosis was idiopathic granulomatous mastitis.

The treatment offered was complete surgical excision under general anaesthesia.

Follow up until July 2003 showed complete recovery without complications or recurrences.

Awareness of this rare entity is very important to both surgeon and pathologist.

Definite diagnosis is by histopathological examination, which is mandatory to provide proper management.