Granulomatous lobular mastitis associated with mammary duct ectasia: a clinicopathologic study of 32 cases with review of literature

Abstract

To study the clinicopathologic features of granulomatous lobular mastitis and mammary duct ectasia. The clinicopathologic data from August 2005 to May 2013 of 32 cases of granulomatous lobular mastitis and mammary duct ectasia were retrospectively reviewed. The age of patients ranged from 26 to 45 years. Two patients had no history of delivery. Fourteen patients had no history of lactation or lactational disorder in the lesional side. Most of the remaining patients had history of breast feeding. Gross examination showed that the lesions were poorly circumscribed and varied from 3 to 12 cm in greatest dimension. Tiny abscess cavities, ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 cm in diameter and containing light yellowish to greyish secretion, were demonstrated. Histologic examination showed granuloma formation and ductal dilatation. Eleven patients had received antibiotic treatment. Twelve cases were complicated by sinus formation related to skin incision and drainage. The duration of follow-up ranged from 5 to 90 months. Three cases showed ipsilateral recurrence and 3 cases had similar pathology in the contralateral breast. Four patients defaulted follow-up. Granulomatous lobular mastitis is associated with mammary duct ectasia. Accurate pathologic diagnosis is prudent for clinical management and control of local recurrence.