Inflammatory Granulomatous Mastitis (IGM), a Precursor of Cancer or a Trap for Misdiagnosis: A Case Report Study

Hashemi MO, Akbari ME*, Hosseini NB, Abbasvandi F, Darani MY, Seraj M, Bayat M and Makeh AS

Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Iran

^*Correspondance to: Mohammad Esmaeil Akbari 

 PDF  Full Text Case Report | Open Access

Abstract:

This case report delves into the fascinating journey from Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis (IGM) to malignancy. Although IGM is generally considered a benign breast condition, it can often present symptoms that resemble more serious conditions like cancer leading to diagnostic confusion. By examining these instances of misdiagnosis, we aim to contribute to the discussion surrounding IGM and its potential links to cancer. The report discusses two clinical cases where patients with a history of IGM went on to develop malignancies-an exceedingly rare occurrence akin to finding a needle in a haystack. The first case involves a 37-year woman initially diagnosed with IGM, who later presented an enlarged mass that was ultimately confirmed as high-grade ductal carcinoma in situ. The second case is equally complex and unusual- a 40-year-old woman diagnosed with IGM and a developed bloody nipple discharge during her treatment leading to the discovery of invasive ductal carcinoma. These cases highlight the debate regarding the role of chronic inflammation in triggering cancerous transformations, a connection that has yet to be definitively proven or disproven for breast tissue. As such this report aims to stimulate research into this rare but scientifically intriguing association, between IGM and malignancy. These thought-provoking cases pose questions about current practices in clinical, radiological and pathological approaches. They also drive advancements in our understanding of the causes of breast cancer in relation, to idiopathic granulomatous mastitis.

Keywords:

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis; Ductal carcinoma in situ; Invasive ductal carcinoma; Chronic inflammation; Breast cancer

Cite the Article:

Hashemi MO, Akbari ME, Hosseini NB, Abbasvandi F, Darani MY, Seraj M, et al. Inflammatory Granulomatous Mastitis (IGM), a Precursor of Cancer or a Trap for Misdiagnosis: A Case Report Study. Ann Clin Case Rep. 2024; 9: 2554.