Severe gestational gigantomastia: management challenges

Abstract

SUMMARY Gestational gigantomastia is rare and characterised by rapid and disproportionate enlargement of the breast during pregnancy. It often requires surgical removal of more than 1500 g of breast tissue. Of the 50 case reports published worldwide, not one was in South African literature. This unusual case report is of a female presenting with gigantomastia at five weeks gestational age. The patient was multiparous and decided to terminate the pregnancy due to the physical and emotional effects of the large, pendulous breasts. Management included breast reduction and free nipple grafting in a staged approach. The complications are briefly outlined. Despite rare presentation, patient satisfaction was achieved. Keywords: severe gestational gigantomastia, disproportionate enlargement, breast, pregnancy, mastectomy