# Recurrent Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis: A Case Report

## TL;DR

This case report describes a rare breast condition that mimics breast cancer and does not respond to standard treatments, highlighting the need for histopathology and alternative management strategies.

## Contribution

The paper presents a unique clinical case emphasizing the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of idiopathic granulomatous mastitis.

## Key findings

- The patient's symptoms did not improve with standard abscess treatments, leading to a histopathological diagnosis of granulomatous mastitis.
- Wide local excision and long-term antibiotics led to remission, suggesting a potential treatment approach for this condition.

## Abstract

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis is a rare benign breast disease of unknown aetiology mostly presenting as a breast abscess but not responding to usual conservative management with incision and drainage and frequently mimics breast cancer. We present a case 31-year-old female presented with complaints of right breast pain and redness who was initially diagnosed and treated as a case of breast abscess with repeated incision and drainage and antibiotics but did not improve. Later histopathology revealed granuloma with giant cell reaction and the patient was given a trial of steroids which showed no improvement. Wide local excision with a long course of broad-spectrum antibiotics was performed which led into remission. This case report highlights the importance of considering idiopathic granulomatous mastitis as differentials in non-responding breast abscesses. Histopathology for diagnosis and trial of wide local excision with a long course of broad-spectrum antibiotics as treatment may be done for management.