Aetiology of idiopathic granulomatous mastitis.

Abstract

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis is a rare chronic inflammatory lesion of the breast that can clinically and radiographically mimic breast carcinoma. The most common clinical presentation is an unilateral, discrete breast mass, nipple retraction and even a sinus formation often associated with an inflammation of the overlying skin. The etiology of idiopathic granulomatous mastitis is still obscure. Its treatment remains controversial. The cause may be the autoimmune process, infection, a chemical reaction associated with oral contraceptive pills, or even lactation. Various factors, including hormonal imbalance, autoimmunity, unknown microbiological agents, smoking and α 1-antitrypsin deficiency have been suggested to play a role in disease aetiology. In this review, causing factors in the aetiology of idiopathic granulomatous mastitis are reviewed in detail.

• Authors: Fatih Altintoprak, Taner Kivilcim, Orhan Veli Ozkan
• Journal: World journal of clinical cases (World J Clin Cases) Vol. 2 Issue 12 Pg. 852-8 (Dec 16 2014) ISSN: 2307-8960 [Print] United States
• PMID: 25516860 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)