What does granulomatous mastitis mean?

Granulomatous mastitis is a benign lesion within the breast, usually associated with inflammatory responses of the breast. It is formed by the immune system's local reaction to certain stimuli, such as infection, injury, or autoimmune responses, and is characterized by the appearance of a special structure called granulation tissue within the breast tissue. This tissue consists of macrophages, lymphocytes, and fibroblasts, aiming to isolate or eliminate the source of irritation.

The clinical manifestations of granulomatous mastitis mainly include breast pain, redness and swelling, presence of lumps, among others. The lumps typically vary in size, have irregular shapes, indistinct borders from surrounding tissues, and a hard consistency. Additionally, granulomatous mastitis may also cause skin ulceration and discharge of pus.

Treatment for granulomatous mastitis usually involves medical therapy, surgical intervention, and dietary management. Patients can take antibiotics under a physician's guidance. If the condition is severe or medical treatment proves ineffective, surgical options such as incision and drainage of abscesses or needle aspiration and drainage might be required. At the same time, patients should also pay attention to dietary adjustments, maintain balanced nutrition, and promote recovery from the disease.