Granulomatous mastitis

Abstract

Granulomatous mastitis is a benign mammary lesion, which clinically can closely simulate breast cancer. The condition has only recently been recognized, less than a dozen cases being recorded in the English literature. Two further cases are presented, the histological features are illustrated, and the literature is reviewed.

PIP: Case studies of 2 instances of benign breast lesions diagnosed upon histological examination as granulomatous mastitis are presented. Both patients were young, and the lesions occurred within 5 years of last delivery. Histologically the lesion is characterized by diffuse infiltration of the lobules by inflammatory cells and by microabscesses in the absence of duct dilation. Simple excision appears to be the correct treatment.