Management of idiopathic granulomatous mastitis with observation.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is becoming more commonly recognized and reported more often. Currently, many recommend corticosteroids in its management.

METHODS:

A retrospective chart review was conducted from January 2002 to June 2013. Data were collected regarding sociodemographic information, clinical history, treatment, and outcomes.

RESULTS:

Thirty-seven patients were found with IGM. Thirty-five patients were Hispanic born outside the United States. Early in the time period reviewed, 5 patients had masses excised and 5 patients were lost to follow-up. Twenty-seven cases of IGM resolved with observation. Corticosteroids were not used in the management. The average time to resolution was 7.4 months. Three patients (11%) had recurrent episodes after resolution.

CONCLUSIONS:

IGM is a self-limited benign condition that will resolve spontaneously without treatment. Patience with the natural history of IGM is important, as the process often includes periods of exacerbation before resolution.

• Authors: Marcia E Bouton, Lakshmi Jayaram, Patrick J O'Neill, Chiu-Hsieh Hsu, Ian K Komenaka
• Journal: American journal of surgery (Am J Surg) Vol. 210 Issue 2 Pg. 258-62 (Aug 2015) ISSN: 1879-1883 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 25746911 (Publication Type: Evaluation Study, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Topics

• Adult
• Female
• Granulomatous Mastitis (therapy)
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Patient Education as Topic
• Retrospective Studies
• Watchful Waiting
• Young Adult