The Role of Corynebacterium in The Etiology of Granulomatous Mastitis

Abstract

Introduction: Granulomatous mastitis (GM) is a rare, benign, chronic inflammatory illness of the breast. It is characterized by necrotizing granulomatous lobulitis of the breast that clinically mimics breast cancer. The aim of this study was to examine the existence of Corynebacterium strains thought to be covered in the etiology of idiopathic granulomatous mastitis. Material and Methods: In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the results of 201 breast tru-cut biopsies carry out for diagnostic purposes in the Department of General Surgery. The tissue samples of 41 patients with histopathologically diagnosed GM were examined by Gram staining. The existence of Corynebacterium kinds was investigated microscopically by adding appropriate medium. Results: The mean age of 41 female patients with GM was 35. 7 years and the age range was 20-58 years. At the end of the study, Corynebacterium amycolatum was defined as the causative microorganism as a consequence of microbiologic examination of the tissue sample of one patient (2.4%). Conclusion: We consider that Corynebacterium is not the etiologic agent of GM. Additionally studies with large case series are needed to explain the etiology.