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Granulomatous Mastitis in Tucson, AZ

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  1. What is Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis?
  2. Diagnosing Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis
  3. Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis Treatment
  4. Granulomatous Mastitis FAQs
  5. Contact Us Today
  6. MICHELE LEY, MD, FACS
  7. The level of care is excellent.
  8. ABOUT US & EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION
  9. CONTACT US

What is Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis?

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a non-cancerous breast condition classified as a benign inflammatory disease. While the exact cause is currently unknown, it causes long periods of inflammation of the breast and breast skin. It is thought to be an autoimmune response to irritation in the breast.

Symptoms of IGM often include:

  • Swelling
  • Redness
  • Discomfort or pain
  • Skin changes
  • Yellow or bloody drainage
  • Painful joints
  • Fatigue
  • Fever

Diagnosing Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis

To diagnose IGM, ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy is the best option. However, in some cases, women with classic symptoms may not require a biopsy for diagnosis. If the fluid is sampled, a culture is usually sent, as in some cases, a bacterium is present. Treating bacterial involvement may help reduce symptoms and recurrence rates.

Granulomatous lobular mastitis is a rare benign breast disease that often presents as a lesion clinically simulating carcinoma or inflammatory breast cancer, leading to diagnostic challenges. It usually presents with breast swelling, pain, and sometimes abscess formation, which can complicate treatment. A careful differential diagnosis is essential to ensure accurate management.

Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis Treatment

Overall, idiopathic granulomatous mastitis is a tricky condition to treat, as the cause is unknown. Treatment aims to reduce inflammation, minimize symptoms, and lower the risk of recurrence rates over the long term, as there is no cure. Common treatment options may include:

Oral Medications

Medications taken by mouth, such as prednisone, Methotrexate, Celebrex, and doxycycline, can also reduce symptoms by targeting and reducing significant inflammation and possible infection. Other antibiotics like Keflex do not usually improve the symptoms.

Some studies suggest a link between IGM and hormonal influences, such as the use of oral contraceptives, though research is ongoing. It is important that you do not become pregnant while undergoing oral medication therapy for IGM, as these medications may not be safe for the fetus.

Local Therapies

Topical diclofenac gel or triamcinolone may be prescribed to treat the affected areas. In some cases, steroids may also be injected into lesions. This can be quite helpful in improving symptoms. Injections may be done every 3-4 weeks initially.

Dietary Changes

Following an anti-inflammatory diet may also be beneficial for reducing symptoms.

Granulomatous Mastitis FAQs

Is Granulomatous Mastitis dangerous?

Granulomatous Mastitis is an inflammatory disorder of the breast. It is benign, therefore, not cancerous. However, it can be painful and be associated with infections, and sometimes systemic symptoms like joint pain.

Can Granulomatous Mastitisis turn into cancer?

Granulomatous mastitis does not cause cancer. It's thought to be an auto-immune disease where the body attacks itself. This causes inflammation pain, swelling, and sometimes drainage from the breast skin. Because the appearance of granulomatous mastitis can mimic breast cancer It's important to be evaluated by a breast specialist and have proper imaging.

Does Granulomatous Mastitisis go away?

GM symptoms usually last for one to two years on average. In general, it goes away on its own. We have treatments for it, but the treatments do not make the disease go away more quickly.

Can Granulomatous Mastitisis be cured?

There's no cure for GM however, we do have many treatments, including oral medication, topical treatments, and steroid injections that can be performed by a breast surgeon to help alleviate the symptoms.

Who treats Granulomatous Mastitis?

GM is treated by Specially trained surgeons called breast surgeons. Although breast surgeons often take care of breast cancer, they are also experts in treating benign breast disease. Many patients will also need imaging which is done by a specially trained Breast radiologist. Rarely a breast surgeon may ask for advice from a rheumatologist regarding systemic medicine for granulomatous mastitis.

Contact Us Today

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with idiopathic granulomatous mastitis and are seeking professional assessment, diagnosis, and treatment, we can help. Contact Tucson Breast Health Specialists in Tucson, AZ, today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ley.

Board-Certified Surgeon

MICHELE LEY, MD, FACS

Dr. Ley, a breast surgical oncologist in Tucson since 2006, delivers compassionate and personalized care to create tailored treatment plans based on the latest research. Specializing in surgical care for breast cancer and high-risk patients, she employs minimally invasive techniques and practices oncoplastic surgery to optimize outcomes.

More About Dr. Ley

“The level of care is excellent.”

Dr. Ley is an excellent doctor who cares about her patients. She takes the time to explain everything and provides all options. The level of care is excellent.

Dr. Ley is extremely good at explaining your breast cancer, treatment options, and everything she is going to do. She is a masterful surgeon and uses plastic techniques to close incisions, leaving minimal scarring. In addition, she is warm, pleasant, and a lovely person. I am so happy that I found her based on a friend’s recommendation. I can’t say enough about her and the practice’s excellent care.

When diagnosed with Breast Cancer my daughter, which is a surgical nurse, started searching for a breast surgeon for me. Within a short period of time, she called stating “Mom, Dr Ley is the surgeon for you”! I have not been disappointed & have had nothing but positive experiences with Dr. Ley & her staff. They truly care.

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We are dedicated to providing the support you need. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help on your breast health journey.

We are only accepting patients with surgical breast diseases. We do not see patients for breast pain or without imaging in the last three months. If you have been diagnosed with one of the following, please submit the contact form or call our office at (520) 605-2778 to schedule your appointment.

  • Breast cancer, DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ), LCIS (lobular carcinoma in situ), invasive ductal carcinoma, invasive lobular carcinoma, and any other breast malignancies such as sarcoma, and malignant phyllodes
  • Patients with known genetic mutations such as BRCA 1, 2, and others
  • Fibroadenoma, phyllodes tumor, radial scar, complex sclerosing lesion, papilloma >8mm, atypical papilloma, nipple mass or ulceration,
  • Granulomatous mastitis
  • Atypical ductal or lobular hyperplasia ( ALH, ADH), and any benign lesion with atypia