{"title":"Minimally Invasive Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy: Early Experience With Endoscopic and Robotic Techniques.","authors":"Sandip M Bipte, Sanjay Kumar Yadav, Revathi G, Jayanti Thumsi, Sadashiv Choudhari","doi":"10.4274/ejbh.galenos.2026.2025-9-10","DOIUrl":"10.4274/ejbh.galenos.2026.2025-9-10","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Minimally invasive nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM), performed via endoscopic or robotic-assisted approaches, has been developed to improve cosmetic and psychosocial outcomes without compromising oncologic safety. While international experience is growing, data from low- and middle-income countries remain limited.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>We conducted a retrospective case series of five consecutive patients (six breasts) who underwent minimally invasive NSM between January 2024 and June 2025 in an Indian center. Three patients underwent conventional endoscopic NSM and two underwent robotic-assisted NSM (one unilateral and one bilateral). Data collected included demographic and genetic status, tumor biology, operative details, reconstruction method, perioperative complications, pathology, and short-term follow-up. Primary endpoints were feasibility and safety; secondary endpoints were margin status, early oncologic outcomes, and cosmetic satisfaction.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All procedures were completed successfully without conversion to open surgery. Median (range) operative time was 210 (180-300) minutes, with robotic procedures requiring longer duration. No intraoperative complications, nipple-areolar necrosis, or implant losses were observed. Two patients developed minor seromas that resolved with aspiration. Pathological margins were negative in all cases. At a median follow-up of six (4-18) months, all patients were alive, disease-free, and reported good-to-excellent cosmetic satisfaction.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our early experience demonstrates that both endoscopic and robotic-assisted NSM are feasible and safe in carefully selected patients, providing satisfactory oncologic and esthetic outcomes. However, these results should be interpreted with caution due to the very small sample size, short follow-up, and absence of a comparator group. Larger prospective multicenter studies with long-term outcomes are required to confirm oncologic safety and define the role of minimally invasive NSM India.</p>","PeriodicalId":93996,"journal":{"name":"European journal of breast health","volume":"22 2","pages":"165-170"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13011157/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147505922","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Atilla Soran, Merve Tokoçin, Hüseyin Özgür Aytaç, Mehmet Ali Nazlı, Serdar Özbaş, Banu Yiğit, Ellen B Mendelson, Wendie A Berg
{"title":"Pittsburgh Classification and Treatment Algorithm for Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis: A Multicenter Cohort Study.","authors":"Atilla Soran, Merve Tokoçin, Hüseyin Özgür Aytaç, Mehmet Ali Nazlı, Serdar Özbaş, Banu Yiğit, Ellen B Mendelson, Wendie A Berg","doi":"10.4274/ejbh.galenos.2026.2026-1-11","DOIUrl":"10.4274/ejbh.galenos.2026.2026-1-11","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a rare inflammatory breast condition lacking standardized treatment and with unpredictable outcomes. To address these issues, using clinical and ultrasound findings from an initial subset, we created the Pittsburgh Classification to stratify severity and developed a corresponding treatment algorithm for IGM, then evaluated its effectiveness in a larger cohort of IGM patients.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This retrospective multicenter study reviewed clinical and sonographic findings and outcomes of women with biopsy-proven IGM treated at multiple breast centers between 2020 and 2025. The Pittsburgh clinical classification ranges from Type 1 (minimal skin irritation) to Type 5 (widespread involvement); ultrasound classification spans Type A (localized mass ≤2 cm) to Type D (diffuse disease). Treatments were assessed utilizing the Pittsburgh algorithm, with responses classified as full response (CR), near-complete response (nCR), or no response (NR). Chi-square tests assessed associations (<i>p</i><0.05).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 522 patients included (mean age 37.0±8.8 years), 86.4% (<i>n</i> = 451) received algorithm-concordant treatment, achieving CR in 68.7% (<i>n</i> = 310), nCR in 35.3% (<i>n</i> = 159) and NR in 11.8% (<i>n</i> = 53). Among these, 65.4% (295/451) of patients with CR were concordant with the Pittsburgh treatment algorithm, whereas 13.6% (<i>n</i> = 71) patients received discordant treatments, with a significantly lower CR rate of 21.1% (15/71) (<i>p</i><0.001). Multifocal disease was significantly more prevalent in NR (83.0%, 44/53) and nCR (70.4%; 112/159) patients compared to CR (20.6%; 64/310) (<i>p</i><0.001), although lesion-based response rates were similar (CR 56.8%, nCR 57.0%, NR 56.6%). Regarding concordance with treatment algorithm, clinical Type 4 IGM was more prevalent in NR (67.9%; 36/53) and nCR (72.9%, 116/159), whereas in clinical Type 1 IGM, NR, nCR, and CR were 1.8% (1/53), 4.4% (7/159), and 30.6% (95/310), respectively (<i>p</i><0.001). Surgery at presentation was preferred in 16.9% (<i>n</i> = 88) of patients, with 6% (<i>n</i> = 30) requiring subsequent surgical treatments to treat residual disease.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Concordance with the proposed IGM treatment algorithm based on clinical and ultrasound findings resulted in significantly higher CR rates. Multiple foci and stratified clinical types correlated with outcomes. Prospective global research is needed to validate these findings.</p>","PeriodicalId":93996,"journal":{"name":"European journal of breast health","volume":"22 2","pages":"199-208"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13011156/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147505941","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Imaging-Based Prediction of Key Breast Cancer Biomarkers Using Deep Learning on Digital Breast Tomosynthesis.","authors":"Elif Aydıngöz, Mehmet Ali Nazlı, Mert Bal","doi":"10.4274/ejbh.galenos.2026.2025-9-14","DOIUrl":"10.4274/ejbh.galenos.2026.2025-9-14","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To evaluate the feasibility of using deep learning models applied to digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) images for non-invasive prediction of breast cancer biomarkers, including estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), human epithelial growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), Ki-67 proliferation index, and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>In this retrospective study, patients with histopathologically-confirmed, invasive breast cancer were included. Furthermore, all included patients had complete, immunohistochemically-assessed biomarker data available. For each case, a representative DBT slice showing the tumor was selected and preprocessed using histogram equalization. Two pretrained convolutional neural networks (VGG19 and ResNet50) were fine-tuned for binary classification of each biomarker. Model performance was evaluated using accuracy, area under the curve (AUC), F1 score, and Matthews correlation coefficient.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study sample included 43 anonymized female patients. Deep learning models achieved strong predictive performance for ER (AUC = 0.81) and TNBC (AUC = 0.93). HER2 (AUC = 0.74) and Ki-67 index (AUC = 0.70) were predicted with moderate accuracy. PR results varied, with VGG19 reaching AUC = 0.76 while ResNet50 performed poorly (AUC = 0.24).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Deep learning models applied to DBT images enabled non-invasive prediction of some key breast cancer biomarkers, especially ER status and TNBC type. This approach may function as a virtual biopsy to complement histopathology, guide biopsy targeting, and support treatment planning. Although preliminary, the findings highlight the potential of artificial intelligence-enhanced DBT assessment and warrant validation in larger, multi-center prospective studies.</p>","PeriodicalId":93996,"journal":{"name":"European journal of breast health","volume":"22 2","pages":"218-225"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13011150/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147505863","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Elif Şenocak Taşçı, Halil Kara, Emir Çapkınoğlu, Onur Dülgeroğlu, Serra Bayrakçeken, Fatma Tokat, Serap Yücel, Irmak Durur Subaşı, Ahmet Yeşilyurt, Uğur Özbek, Gül Esen İçten, Nuran Bese, Cihan Uras, Yeşim Eralp
{"title":"Evolving Concepts and Contemporary Management of Early-Stage Breast Cancer: An Evidence-Based Approach to Grey Zones from a Comprehensive Breast Unit Part 1: Locoregional Therapy, Pathology, Radiology.","authors":"Elif Şenocak Taşçı, Halil Kara, Emir Çapkınoğlu, Onur Dülgeroğlu, Serra Bayrakçeken, Fatma Tokat, Serap Yücel, Irmak Durur Subaşı, Ahmet Yeşilyurt, Uğur Özbek, Gül Esen İçten, Nuran Bese, Cihan Uras, Yeşim Eralp","doi":"10.4274/ejbh.galenos.2026.2025-10-1","DOIUrl":"10.4274/ejbh.galenos.2026.2025-10-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy among women worldwide, and significant progress in systemic therapy, surgical techniques, and radiotherapy has contributed to improved clinical outcomes. However, many clinical scenarios encountered in daily practice are not fully addressed by randomized trials, leaving persistent areas of uncertainty in the management of early-stage breast cancer. To meet these challenges, the multidisciplinary panel at Research Institute of Senology, Acıbadem University developed consensus-driven recommendations for clinical scenarios that are encountered in daily practice. Herein, we aim to reflect both current evidence and institutional practice, and to provide practical guidance in areas where uncertainty persists. As breast cancer treatment continues to evolve, updates will be required to integrate emerging data and refine individualized patient care.</p>","PeriodicalId":93996,"journal":{"name":"European journal of breast health","volume":"22 2","pages":"115-125"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13011144/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147505755","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Petra Valkovic Zujic, Nina Bartolovic, Jelena Rnjak, Lucija Vojta, Mateo Madunic, Manuela Avirovic, Ana Car Peterko
{"title":"Tomosynthesis-Guided Vacuum-Assisted Excision of B3 Breast Lesions: Reducing Overtreatment Without Compromising Safety.","authors":"Petra Valkovic Zujic, Nina Bartolovic, Jelena Rnjak, Lucija Vojta, Mateo Madunic, Manuela Avirovic, Ana Car Peterko","doi":"10.4274/ejbh.galenos.2026.2025-9-7","DOIUrl":"10.4274/ejbh.galenos.2026.2025-9-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Breast lesions of uncertain malignant potential (B3) pose a diagnostic and management challenge. Surgical excision (SE) has traditionally been the standard for definitive diagnosis, but it may represent overtreatment. Percutaneous vacuum-assisted excision (VAE) offers a minimally invasive alternative. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of VAE compared with SE for the management of B3 breast lesions, with the aim of reducing overtreatment.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This retrospective single-center study included 64 patients with histologically confirmed B3 lesions diagnosed by tomosynthesis-guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsy between January 2018 and January 2024. Patients were managed by SE, VAE, or imaging follow-up, based on multidisciplinary team recommendations. Imaging characteristics, histopathology, upgrade rates, and follow-up outcomes were analyzed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Most lesions presented as microcalcifications (92%). The most common histological subtypes were atypical intraductal epithelial proliferation (37.5%) and lobular neoplasia (25%). SE was performed in 26 patients (40%), VAE in 22 (34%), and 16 (25%) underwent follow-up. Malignant upgrades occurred in 8 of 26 SE-treated lesions (30.8%), predominantly atypical intraductal epithelial proliferation, while no upgrades were observed in the VAE group (<i>p</i> = 0.007). Mean follow-up was longer for SE (42 months) than VAE (21 months, <i>p</i> = 0.036). One SE patient developed invasive carcinoma at 48 months; no malignant progression occurred after VAE.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>VAE is a safe, minimally invasive and effective alternative to SE for carefully selected B3 lesions, particularly those without atypia and with imaging-pathology concordance, potentially reducing overtreatment. Multidisciplinary evaluation remains essential.</p>","PeriodicalId":93996,"journal":{"name":"European journal of breast health","volume":"22 2","pages":"190-198"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13011153/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147505917","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aya Nagata, Mitsuhiro Tozaki, Kanae Taruno, Seigo Nakamura, Naoki Hayashi
{"title":"Clinicopathological Characteristics of Lesions Diagnosed by MRI-Guided Biopsy in <i>BRCA1/2</i> Mutation Carriers.","authors":"Aya Nagata, Mitsuhiro Tozaki, Kanae Taruno, Seigo Nakamura, Naoki Hayashi","doi":"10.4274/ejbh.galenos.2025.2025-5-8","DOIUrl":"10.4274/ejbh.galenos.2025.2025-5-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong><i>BRCA1/2</i> pathogenic variant carriers face a high risk of breast cancer, making early detection vital for minimizing systemic treatments. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) outperforms mammography and ultrasound in detecting lesions that are often missed, particularly in individuals with <i>BRCA1</i> or <i>BRCA2</i> variants. However, the effectiveness of MRI-guided biopsy remains unclear. Thus, the aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of MRI-guided biopsy in detecting malignancy among <i>BRCA1/2</i> pathogenic variant carriers with MRI-only-detected breast lesions and compare these findings with those in non-carriers and assess lesion characteristics and diagnostic yield.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>We retrospectively analyzed. We compared the effectiveness of MRI-guided biopsy for <i>BRCA1/2</i> pathogenic variant carriers with MRI-only-detected lesions with that of non-carriers between April 2018 and December 2022. We examined the clinicopathological characteristics and MRI findings of the <i>BRCA1/2</i> carriers.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 130 lesions from 126 patients were reviewed. The <i>BRCA1/2</i> mutation group had a significantly higher incidence of category 3 lesions on MRI. Invasive carcinoma was more prevalent among <i>BRCA1/2</i> carriers, and non-carriers predominantly presented with ductal carcinoma <i>in situ</i>. MRI-guided biopsy identified malignant tumors in 30.1% of lesions. The positive predictive values were 42.9% for <i>BRCA1/2</i> carriers and 28.6% for non-carriers.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>MRI-guided biopsy was effective in detecting early-stage invasive carcinoma in <i>BRCA1/2</i> carriers, highlighting its role in tailored surveillance strategies. For new lesions categorized as breast imaging reporting and data system 3 on MRI, biopsy should be considered, particularly for <i>BRCA1/2</i> carriers. Prospective studies are needed to validate these findings and assess long-term clinical outcomes to inform personalized management approaches for high-risk populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":93996,"journal":{"name":"European journal of breast health","volume":"22 2","pages":"156-164"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13011143/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147505760","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Zeki Gökhan Sürmeli, Ahmet Aslan, Mohamed Gado, Saifuddin Aljowder, Muhammad Sajid, Samrin Liaqat, Nawaf Alkhalfan, Hiba Abduljawad, Taha Avcı, Mustafa Kula
{"title":"Skeletal Muscle Loss During Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer: Diabetes as an Independent Predictor.","authors":"Zeki Gökhan Sürmeli, Ahmet Aslan, Mohamed Gado, Saifuddin Aljowder, Muhammad Sajid, Samrin Liaqat, Nawaf Alkhalfan, Hiba Abduljawad, Taha Avcı, Mustafa Kula","doi":"10.4274/ejbh.galenos.2025.2025-9-9","DOIUrl":"10.4274/ejbh.galenos.2025.2025-9-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study examined body composition changes during neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) for breast cancer and aimed to identify clinical parameters associated with skeletal muscle loss.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>We retrospectively analyzed women with stage I-III breast cancer who received NACT. Skeletal muscle and subcutaneous fat areas at the third lumbar vertebra were quantified on computed tomography and normalized for height to calculate the skeletal muscle index (SMI, cm²/m²) and subcutaneous fat index (SFI, cm²/m²). Pre- and post-NACT values were compared, and the prevalence of low skeletal muscle mass (LSMM, SMI <38.5 cm²/m²) and sarcopenic obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m² with LSMM) was determined. Multivariable linear regression assessed independent predictors of post-NACT SMI.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 177 patients (mean age 51.0±10.7 years; 24% with diabetes) were included. Mean SMI declined significantly after NACT (43.1±7.4 to 41.4±7.1 cm²/m²; mean change -1.7±3.1, <i>p</i><0.001). SFI also decreased (132.9±59.2 to 123.5±55.1 cm²/m²; mean change -9.5±27.0, <i>p</i><0.001). The prevalence of LSMM increased from 27.7% to 37.3% (<i>p</i> = 0.003), and sarcopenic obesity from 8.5% to 12.4%. Patients with diabetes experienced greater muscle loss than those without diabetes (-2.7 vs. -1.4 cm²/m²). Diabetes mellitus was the only independent predictor of post-NACT SMI decline (β = -1.42, <i>p</i> = 0.013), while age and chemotherapy regimen were not significant.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>NACT is associated with significant reductions in skeletal muscle and subcutaneous fat, together with increased rates of LSMM. Diabetes mellitus independently predicted lower post-treatment SMI.</p>","PeriodicalId":93996,"journal":{"name":"European journal of breast health","volume":"22 2","pages":"139-146"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13011159/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147505946","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Bilateral Oleogranuloma of the Breast Following Self-Injection of Baby Oil: A Clinical Image.","authors":"Yasemin Kayadibi, Pınar Çiğdem Kocael","doi":"10.4274/ejbh.galenos.2026.2025-7-2","DOIUrl":"10.4274/ejbh.galenos.2026.2025-7-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Self-injection of non-medical substances, such as mineral or baby oil, into the breast for augmentation is an unsafe practice and can lead to serious complications. Chronic granulomatous inflammation and fat necrosis may develop, and the imaging findings may mimic breast cancer, creating diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. We present the case of an 18-year-old woman who developed bilateral breast pain and masses after self-injection of baby oil. We highlight the radiological and histopathological features and remind clinicians to consider foreign-body granulomatous reactions in the differential diagnosis of suspicious breast lesions.</p>","PeriodicalId":93996,"journal":{"name":"European journal of breast health","volume":"22 2","pages":"234-236"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13011155/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147505814","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis: A Comprehensive Review of Etiology, Diagnosis, and Management.","authors":"Parisa Hashemi Moghanjoughi, Sina Neshat, Afshin Heidari, Matin Bidares, Mahshid Sadat Chenarani Moghadam, Dorsa Shekouh, Keyvan Heydari, Fatemeh Mohammad Alizadeh, Hazhir Moradi, Roya Modaresi","doi":"10.4274/ejbh.galenos.2025.2025-10-7","DOIUrl":"10.4274/ejbh.galenos.2025.2025-10-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a rare, benign, and chronic inflammatory breast disease of uncertain etiology. It often mimics infectious mastitis and inflammatory breast cancer in both clinical and radiologic presentations, leading to diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the current literature regarding the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnostic strategies, and treatment options for IGM. A narrative review was conducted using an extensive search of the PubMed database, focusing on articles that discuss various aspects of IGM, including its potential autoimmune, hormonal, and infectious origins, as well as current diagnostic and management approaches. IGM most commonly affects women of reproductive age, often within a few years postpartum. Histologically, it is characterized by non-caseating granulomatous inflammation centered on breast lobules. Although corticosteroids are widely used as the first-line therapy, treatment regimens vary significantly across centers, and relapse is not uncommon. Immunosuppressive agents, such as methotrexate, have shown promising results in steroid-resistant cases. Surgical interventions are generally reserved for refractory cases because of the risk of recurrence and unfavourable cosmetic outcomes. The role of infectious agents, particularly <i>Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii</i>, remains controversial, and distinguishing between idiopathic and infectious GM is crucial for management. IGM is a multifactorial and clinically heterogeneous condition requiring individualized, multidisciplinary management. There remains a need for further prospective studies and consensus guidelines to optimize diagnosis and treatment, especially in recurrent or refractory cases.</p>","PeriodicalId":93996,"journal":{"name":"European journal of breast health","volume":"22 2","pages":"126-138"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13011148/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147505870","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}