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Review
. 2025 Apr;13(4):e70199.
doi: 10.1002/iid3.70199.

Research Progress of Plasma Cell Mastitis

Zhebin Liang  1 , Lifeng Zhang  1
Affiliations
Review

Research Progress of Plasma Cell Mastitis

Zhebin Liang et al. Immun Inflamm Dis. 2025 Apr.

Abstract

Background: Plasma cell mastitis (PCM), also termed mammary duct ectasia, is a chronic nonbacterial inflammatory disease characterized by mammary duct dilation and plasma cell infiltration. Due to its varied and nonspecific clinical presentation, PCM is frequently misdiagnosed as breast cancer, complicating clinical management.

Objectives: This review aims to summarize recent advances in the understanding of PCM, focusing on its etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment strategies, as well as clarifying differential diagnostic points with granulomatous mastitis (GLM).

Methods: We reviewed recent literature highlighting clinical characteristics, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic options related to PCM, including comparative studies addressing differences between PCM and GLM.

Discussion: Recent progress has enhanced understanding of PCM's clinical and pathological features, yet distinguishing PCM from GLM remains clinically challenging due to overlapping presentations. An integrated approach involving clinical evaluation, imaging modalities, and histopathological examination is recommended to improve diagnostic accuracy and clinical outcomes.

Conclusion: Further investigation into the pathogenesis of PCM is essential for developing more precise diagnostic criteria and effective treatments, ultimately improving patient prognosis and reducing misdiagnosis.

Keywords: IL‐6/JAK2/STAT3 pathway; granulomatous mastitis; mammary duct ectasia; plasma cell mastitis.

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