Management of idiopathic granulomatous mastitis with observation.
BACKGROUND
Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is becoming more commonly recognized and reported more often. Currently, many recommend corticosteroids in its management.


METHODS
A retrospective chart review was conducted from January 2002 to June 2013. Data were collected regarding sociodemographic information, clinical history, treatment, and outcomes.


RESULTS
Thirty-seven patients were found with IGM. Thirty-five patients were Hispanic born outside the United States. Early in the time period reviewed, 5 patients had masses excised and 5 patients were lost to follow-up. Twenty-seven cases of IGM resolved with observation. Corticosteroids were not used in the management. The average time to resolution was 7.4 months. Three patients (11%) had recurrent episodes after resolution.


CONCLUSIONS
IGM is a self-limited benign condition that will resolve spontaneously without treatment. Patience with the natural history of IGM is important, as the process often includes periods of exacerbation before resolution.
Department of Surgery, Maricopa Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
Marcia E
ME
Bouton
Department of Surgery, Maricopa Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
Lakshmi
L
Jayaram
Department of Surgery, Maricopa Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
Patrick J
PJ
O'Neill
Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA; Mel and Enid Zuckerman Arizona College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
Chiu-Hsieh
CH
Hsu
Department of Surgery, Maricopa Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA. Electronic address: Komenaka@hotmail.com.
Ian K
IK
Komenaka
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D058890:Granulomatous Mastitis / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D057832:Watchful Waiting; D055815:Young Adult
Disparities; Granulomatous mastitis; Observation; Patient education; Steroids