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

• GLM (Granulomatous Lobular Mastitis)
• Idiopathic Granulomatous Lobular Mastitis
• Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis

What is Granulomatous Lobular Mastitis? (Definition/Background Information)

• Granulomatous Lobular Mastitis (GLM) is a rare inflammatory disease of the breast. This disease usually affects women of child-bearing age or those who use oral contraceptive medication
• Granulomatous Lobular Mastitis can be confused with breast cancer, so it is often misdiagnosed and proper treatment is delayed
• The main symptoms include a palpable mass, skin or nipple retraction, and pain and swelling in the breast
• Core needle biopsy is the recommended method for diagnosis and must be made in all cases, to rule-out breast cancer and other causes of granulomatous mastitis such as bacterial, fungal, or mycobacterial infections, sarcoidosis, and other systemic granulomatous diseases. After ruling-out these diseases, the diagnosis of Idiopathic “Granulomatous Lobular Mastitis” is made
• The cause is unknown, but may be autoimmune. Some cases are associated with Corynebacterium infection (when it is known as cystic neutrophilic granulomatous mastitis)
• There is no established treatment, but antibiotics, corticosteroids, drainage, excision, and surgical removal of the lesion have been tried with variable success

(Source: Granulomatous Lobular Mastitis; Genetic and Rare Disease Information Center (GARD) of National Center for Advancing Translational Science (NCATS), USA.)

Who gets Granulomatous Lobular Mastitis? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Granulomatous Lobular Mastitis is a rare inflammatory disorder affecting women between ages 20 and 40 years (typically childbearing age)
• Worldwide, women of all racial and ethnic groups may be affected

What are the Risk Factors for Granulomatous Lobular Mastitis? (Predisposing Factors)

The following are the known risk factors for Granulomatous Lobular Mastitis:

• The female gender
• Childbearing age
• Use of oral contraceptive medication

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 Granulomatous Lobular Mastitis? (Etiology)

• The cause of Granulomatous Lobular Mastitis is not clearly known
• It has been suggested that the condition may be caused as an autoimmune response

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Granulomatous Lobular Mastitis?

The signs and symptoms of Granulomatous Lobular Mastitis may include:

• A palpable mass in the breast
• Skin retraction, leading to tightening of skin or dimpling
• Nipple retraction, which may lead to inverted nipple
• Redness, pain and swelling in the breast

How is Granulomatous Lobular Mastitis Diagnosed?

Granulomatous Lobular Mastitis is diagnosed on the basis of the following information:

• Complete physical examination
• Thorough medical history evaluation
• Assessment of signs and symptoms
• Laboratory tests
• Imaging studies
• Core needle biopsy of affected breast tissue

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 Granulomatous Lobular Mastitis?

The complications of Granulomatous Lobular Mastitis may include:

• Stress and anxiety
• Cosmetic concerns

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

How is Granulomatous Lobular Mastitis Treated?

Presently, there are no established methods for treating Granulomatous Lobular Mastitis. Any of the following methods may be used (alone or in combination thereof) to treat the condition:

• Administration of antibiotics or corticosteroids
• Drainage of the lesion
• Surgical excision and removal of the breast mass

How can Granulomatous Lobular Mastitis be Prevented?

At the present time, there are no methods or guideline available for the prevention of Granulomatous Lobular Mastitis.

• Examining one’s breasts regularly and seeking medical attention for any apparent abnormality may help in early diagnosis and prompt treatment
• Active research is currently being performed to explore the possibilities for treatment and prevention of disorders such as Granulomatous Lobular Mastitis

Regular medical screening at periodic intervals with tests and physical examinations are recommended.

What is the Prognosis of Granulomatous Lobular Mastitis? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Granulomatous Lobular Mastitis is fair, since it is considered a benign condition
• Typically, the prognosis may be assessed on a case-by-case basis

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Granulomatous Lobular Mastitis:

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

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