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.
['Bouton|Marcia E|ME|', 'Jayaram|Lakshmi|L|', "O'Neill|Patrick J|PJ|", 'Hsu|Chiu-Hsieh|CH|', 'Komenaka|Ian K|IK|']
D000328:Adult D005260:Female D058890:Granulomatous Mastitis D006801:Humans D008875:Middle Aged D010353:Patient Education as Topic D012189:Retrospective Studies D057832:Watchful Waiting D055815:Young Adult
Granulomatous mastitis Observation Disparities Patient education Steroids