Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis: A Rare Confrontation

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis is a benign chronic inflammatory condition of the breast, the etiology of which has not been identified yet; it mimics two common breast disorders: breast carcinoma and tuberculous mastitis. Hence, this clinical entity poses difficulties in the diagnostic work-up. As clinical presentation and imaging findings often simulate other infectious and neoplastic etiologies, an accurate and early diagnosis is crucial to prevent misdiagnosis. Clear guidelines have yet to be established regarding treatment. In this report, we describe a case in which a patient presented with a painful breast mass and was diagnosed with idiopathic granulomatous mastitis after histological evaluation. We managed this patient with a combination of surgical excision and, subsequently, a course of antibiotics and steroids. To conclude, idiopathic granulomatous mastitis must be considered a possible differential while treating a patient with a lump in the breast tissue.