Granulomatous Mastitis

Granulomatous mastitis is an uncommon inflammatory breast condition that can cause breast lumps, pain, swelling, redness, and ongoing inflammation within the breast tissue. Although the condition is benign and non-cancerous, its symptoms can sometimes closely resemble breast infection or even breast cancer, making careful specialist assessment extremely important.

A/Prof Farid Meybodi provides comprehensive evaluation and multidisciplinary management of granulomatous mastitis with a focus on accurate diagnosis, personalised treatment planning, and long-term breast health.

What Is Granulomatous Mastitis?

Granulomatous mastitis, also known as idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM), is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the breast tissue. The exact cause is not always clear, although hormonal, immune-related, and inflammatory factors may contribute.

The condition most commonly affects women of childbearing age and may sometimes occur following pregnancy or breastfeeding, although it can also develop in women without these risk factors.

Granulomatous mastitis is not breast cancer, however it may produce symptoms and imaging findings that require thorough investigation to exclude malignancy or other breast disease.

Symptoms of Granulomatous Mastitis

Symptoms may vary in severity and can develop gradually or more suddenly.

Patients may experience:

• A painful or tender breast lump
• Breast swelling or firmness
• Redness or skin inflammation
• Localised warmth within the breast
• Abscess formation or fluid collections
• Skin thickening or changes
• Nipple changes or discharge in some cases
• Recurrent inflammation or persistent symptoms

Some patients may experience recurrent episodes over time requiring ongoing monitoring and management.

Breast Assessment & Investigation

Because granulomatous mastitis can resemble both breast infection and breast cancer, careful breast assessment is essential.

Assessment may include:

• Clinical breast examination
• Breast ultrasound
• Mammography where appropriate
• Breast MRI in selected cases
• Image-guided biopsy procedures

A core biopsy is often required to confirm the diagnosis and exclude other inflammatory or malignant breast conditions.

A/Prof Farid Meybodi works closely with experienced breast radiologists and pathologists to ensure accurate diagnosis and coordinated care.

Treatment of Granulomatous Mastitis

Treatment depends on the severity of inflammation, symptoms, imaging findings, and whether infection or abscess formation is present.

Management may include:

• Observation and monitoring in selected cases
• Antibiotics where infection is suspected
• Drainage of abscesses or fluid collections
• Anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive medications
• Wound care and symptom management
• Surgery in selected or persistent cases

Many patients require a combination of treatments over time, and management is often individualised depending on the behaviour of the condition.

Surgical Management

Surgery is not always required for granulomatous mastitis, however some patients with persistent symptoms, recurrent abscesses, or significant tissue involvement may benefit from surgical treatment.

Surgical planning is carefully tailored to:

• Extent of breast inflammation
• Presence of abscesses or chronic wounds
• Cosmetic considerations
• Breast contour and healing
• Previous treatments and recurrence history

The goal is to manage the disease effectively while preserving breast appearance and minimising ongoing complications wherever possible.

Ongoing Monitoring & Recovery

Granulomatous mastitis can occasionally become a prolonged or recurrent condition, requiring ongoing follow-up and supportive care.

Patients may require:

• Repeat imaging or clinical review
• Wound and scar management
• Monitoring for recurrence
• Coordination with breast physicians or other specialists
• Long-term breast health surveillance

Clear communication and continuity of care are important throughout treatment and recovery.

Compassionate, Multidisciplinary Breast Care

A/Prof Farid Meybodi provides thoughtful, patient-centred care for both benign and complex inflammatory breast conditions. We understand that persistent breast inflammation and uncertainty surrounding diagnosis can be physically and emotionally challenging.

Our goal is to provide timely assessment, accurate diagnosis, coordinated multidisciplinary management, and compassionate support throughout every stage of care.