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Idiopathic granulomatosis mastitis treated with topical steroids: case report

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Summary

Background

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a rare, benign and chronic inflammatory condition of the breast. Clinically, it can mimic inflammatory breast cancer and is difficult to distinguish from tuberculous mastitis and sarcoidosis. Diagnosis of IGM is usually by exclusion and confirmed by histopathological examination.

The mainstays of treatment described in current literature are antibiotics, systemic steroids and immunosuppressants.

Case report

We present a case of IMG treated with topical steroids only, with no side effects or relapse.

Results and Conclusions

Till now, there are no specific guidelines for the management of idiopathic granulomatous mastitis. It varies from expectant management, steroid treatment till surgical intervention. Topical steroids were used as alternative to systemic preparations with the potential benefit of avoiding the side effects of long-term systemic steroid therapy.

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Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Breast Unit, St Albans City Hospital, West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Vicarage Road, WD18 0HB, Watford, Hertfordshire, UK

    S. Monib, A. Hassan & L. M. Lai

Authors
  1. S. Monib
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  2. A. Hassan
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  3. L. M. Lai
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Correspondence to S. Monib.

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Monib, S., Hassan, A. & Lai, L. Idiopathic granulomatosis mastitis treated with topical steroids: case report. Eur Surg 44, 354–357 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10353-012-0155-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10353-012-0155-y

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