Some fibrocystic breast change may be caused by sexually transmitted H. pylori during oral nipple contact: supporting literature and case report of resolution after gut H. pylori eradication treatment.
OBJECTIVE
To briefly review previously published evidence for Helicobacter pylori (Hp), colonization of extra-intestinal sites and suggest an hypothesis that breast acini and ducts be added to this list, concluding such breast colonization is not rare and is a sexually transmitted infection.


METHODS
PubMed literature search and review with a case report.


CONCLUSIONS
(1) Evidence indicates oral Hp is common and can remain in the mouth after successful eradication in stomach and duodenum. (2) Evidence indicates that the breast is also occasionally colonized by Hp. (3) Hp may be injected retrograde up into ducts of the breast during oral nipple stimulation during sexual activity and this Hp may give rise to some cases of fibrocystic breast change. (4) A case of painful fibrocystic change that had been present for two years in a 27 year old female, resolved after gastrointestinal Hp treatment.
Kast
R E
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Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont, 2 Church Street, Burlington, VT 05401, USA. kast887@hotmail.com
D053799:2-Pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017291:Clarithromycin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005348:Fibrocystic Breast Disease / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000635:transmission*; D016480:Helicobacter pylori; D006801:Humans; D064747:Lansoprazole; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008954:Models, Biological; D009558:Nipples; D012698:Serologic Tests; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography
D053799:2-Pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazoles; D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents; D064747:Lansoprazole; D008795:Metronidazole; D017291:Clarithromycin