Granulomatous Mastitis: Clinical, Histopathological, and Radiological Insights for Enhanced Management Granulomatous mastitis
Abstract
Background: Granulomatous mastitis (GM) is a rare benign inflammatory breast disease that can mimic breast carcinoma and infectious mastitis. Breast abscess at initial presentation may indicate a more active inflammatory phenotype and influence management. We aimed to describe histologically confirmed GM and explore features associated with baseline breast abscess.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective single-center case series using the pathology archives of Abderrahman Mami Hospital from January 1, 2004, to February 29, 2024. Data were extracted from records and supplemented by direct patient contact when necessary. Patients were compared according to breast abscess status at initial presentation.
Results: Forty-two patients were included. Mean age was 50.2 ± 11.0 years and mean BMI was 25.2 ± 2.6 kg/m². Breast abscess was present in 12 patients (28.6%). Neutrophilic infiltrates were more frequent in the abscess group than in the non-abscess group (83.3% vs 10.0%; OR = 45.00; 95% CI 6.53–310.26; p = 0.00001). Microabscesses were also associated with abscess presentation (66.7% vs 16.7%; OR = 10.00; 95% CI 2.15–46.51; p = 0.00301). In the adjusted model, higher BMI was associated with baseline abscess presentation (adjusted OR = 1.70 per BMI unit; 95% CI 1.01–2.84; p = 0.044).
Conclusion: In this retrospective series, breast abscess at initial presentation was associated with a more suppurative histopathological profile and higher BMI in the adjusted exploratory model. Prospective multicenter validation is required.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Karima Mekni, Khaoula Belaid, Nadia Benjemaa, Zeineb Bendhief, Aida Ayadi, Chiraz ElFekih
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