What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Diabetic Fibrous Breast Disease
• Lymphocytic Mastitis
• Sclerosing Lymphocytic Lobulitis

What is Diabetic Mastopathy? (Definition/Background Information)

• Diabetic Mastopathy are non-cancerous lesions in the breast most commonly diagnosed in premenopausal women with type 1 diabetes
• The cause of this condition is unknown
• Symptoms may include hard, irregular, easily movable, discrete, painless breast mass(es)

(Source: Diabetic Mastopathy; Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) of National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), USA.)

Who gets Diabetic Mastopathy? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Diabetic Mastopathy is a rare disorder occurring predominantly in premenopausal women with underlying diabetes type 1 
• However, males may also be affected by this condition
• Worldwide, individuals of all racial and ethnic groups may be affected

What are the Risk Factors for Diabetic Mastopathy? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Diabetic Mastopathy include:

• Women before menopause
• Long-term uncontrolled diabetes (type 1)

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Diabetic Mastopathy? (Etiology)

• The cause of Diabetic Mastopathy is unknown
• Theories include an autoimmune reaction, genetic factors such as human leukocyte antigen (HLA) type, association with insulin therapy, and association with hyperglycemia

(Source: Diabetic Mastopathy; Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) of National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), USA.)

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Diabetic Mastopathy?

The signs and symptoms of Diabetic Mastopathy may include:

• Hard, irregular, easily movable, discrete, painless breast mass(es)
• Other diabetes-related complications involving thyroid hormone, eyes, and joints

(Source: Diabetic Mastopathy; Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) of National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), USA.)

How is Diabetic Mastopathy Diagnosed?

• The diagnosis of Diabetic Mastopathy should be considered in patients with long-standing insulin-dependent diabetes and a firm, mobile breast mass
• Initial imaging studies may include mammography and ultrasound
• While these methods can help to further differentiate the mass, they cannot provide a specific diagnosis of Diabetic Mastopathy with confident exclusion of malignancy
• A core biopsy (utilizing a needle to remove a small cylinder of tissue) is often performed for a definitive diagnosis

(Source: Diabetic Mastopathy; Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) of National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), USA.)

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Diabetic Mastopathy?

The complications of Diabetic Mastopathy may include:

• Anxiety regarding mass(es) in breast
• Complications related to underlying type 1 diabetes

Complications may occur with or without treatment, and in some cases, due to treatment also.

How is Diabetic Mastopathy Treated?

Typically, no treatment is necessary for Diabetic Mastopathy.

• Individuals with this condition should be advised about the condition and how to self-examine the breasts to detect any changes in size and number of breast lumps
• Patients should be routinely followed up with MRI or ultrasound and core biopsy if the lesions become clinically or radiologically suspicious
• Lesions can be surgically removed for cosmetic reasons or if malignancy cannot be excluded

(Source: Diabetic Mastopathy; Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) of National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), USA.)

How can Diabetic Mastopathy be Prevented?

• Diabetic Mastopathy may not be preventable, since it is a condition associated with long-term diabetes type 1
• Active research is currently being performed to explore the possibilities for treatment and prevention of disorders such as Diabetic Mastopathy
• Regular medical screening at periodic intervals with tests and physical examinations are recommended

What is the Prognosis of Diabetic Mastopathy ? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The breast mass/masses in Diabetic Mastopathy are generally considered benign, and hence, the prognosis is favorable
• However, routine follow-up after diagnosis is crucial to monitor these lesions and rule-out malignancy, if any

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Diabetic Mastopathy:

Diabetic Mastopathy is also known by the following names:

• Diabetic Fibrous Mastopathy
• Lymphocytic Mastopathy

In rare cases, Diabetic Mastopathy may be associated with type 2 diabetes as well.

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

http://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/rare-disorders/