Etiologic revelation and outcome of the surgical management of idiopathic granulomatous mastitis; An Egyptian centre experience.

INTRODUCTION: Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a chronic inflammatory condition that is confused with cancer. It usually affects women in child bearing age. The exact aetiology and pathogenesis are still unknown, and the optimal therapeutic modality has not yet been established. Treatment most frequently includes Antibiotics, corticosteroids and immunosuppressant, surgical excision, and even mastectomy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied a thirty cases diagnosed with IGM in our locality to find out the leading risk factors and the outcome of our surgical approach which involves excision of the lesion in continuity with duct system. Patients demographic data, history related to lactation and outcome were recorded.

RESULTS: All patients were parous women with history of previous breast feeding for all kids. Twenty-six patients (86.66%) had a history of early incomplete nursing care to the affected breast. After our surgical approach, Twenty eight (93.3%) patients showed fast recovery with no detectable recurrences in the median follow up period (18 months) with acceptable cosmoses.

CONCLUSION: History of breast feeding together with early failure of complete nursing from a single breast is the most important risk factors for development of IGM in young aged women. Surgery plays an important role in treating IGM, however, it should be directed towards excision of the present mass (s) together with the pathological and colonized duct system.