Idiopathic Granulomatous Lobular Mastitis in a Male Breast: A Case Report

Abstract

Idiopathic granulomatous lobular mastitis (IGLM) that mimics breast cancer both clinically and radiologically is a chronic inflammatory condition of the breast without a known etiology. It usually affects childbearing women and is associated with pregnancy, lactation, or use of oral contraceptives. IGLM in a male breast is extremely rare, and only two case reports have been published. A 60-year-old man was referred to our hospital for right breast mass. He had right breast pain with a small palpable lump for 2 weeks. Ultrasonography (US) was performed with color Doppler US and US elastography. The lesion was diagnosed as IGLM pathologically by 14 gauge core needle biopsy. We describe a very rare case of IGLM arising from a male breast based on ultrasonographic and pathologic findings. IGLM should be considered as a differential diagnosis in male breast diseases, although the imaging findings may not be comparable with typical IGLM.

Granulomatous mastitis in a male breast: A case report and review of literature

“…To the best of our knowledge, there are only 16 reported cases of GM in male patients. 1,2,[4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15] The reported cases have been summarized in Table 1. We analyzed 12 cases of patients whose characteristics and clinical courses were described.…”

“…We analyzed 12 cases of patients whose characteristics and clinical courses were described. 2,[6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15] The median age of the patients at the time of presentation was 46 years (range: 17-60 years). Eight patients (73%) had GM in the right breast, while two (17%) presented with bilateral involvement.…”

“…It has been reported that estrogen stimulation causes the development of acini and lobules in male breasts 2 and might be responsible for the development of GM. Of the 12 cases, four patients had gynecomastia 10,[14][15][16] and one was a transgender (male to female transition, receiving estrogen therapy for 6 years). 2 This supports the fact that GM in males might be associated with abnormal hormonal conditions such as gynecomastia and estrogen therapy.…”

“…The reported cases have been summarized in Table 1. We analyzed 12 cases of patients whose characteristics and clinical courses were described 2,6–15 . The median age of the patients at the time of presentation was 46 years (range: 17–60 years).…”

Granulomatous Mastitis in a Male Breast: A Case Report and Review of Literature

“…It has been reported that estrogen stimulation causes the development of acini and lobules in male breasts 2 and might be responsible for the development of GM. Of the 12 cases, four patients had gynecomastia 10,14,15,16 and one was a transgender (male to female transition, receiving estrogen therapy for six years). 2 This supports the fact that GM in males might be associated with abnormal hormonal conditions such as gynecomastia and estrogen therapy.…”