Benign but Aggressive: Navigating the Diagnostic & Therapeutic Challenges of Granulomatous Mastitis
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Myka Bussey-Campbell
Location
Savannah Ballroom
Type of Research
Proposed
Session Format
Poster Presentation
College
Waters College of Health Professions
Department
Clinical Sciences
Abstract
Abstract
Granulomatous mastitis is a rare, benign inflammatory breast condition that often mimics malignancy on imaging and clinical presentation, making accurate diagnosis challenging. This case study presents a 51-year-old Caucasian female who reported sharp pain and a tender, palpable area in the outer quadrant of the right breast. The patient had no significant hormonal or medication history but did report a family history of breast cancer in a maternal aunt. A unilateral limited breast ultrasound was performed using a high-frequency linear transducer, revealing a heterogeneous, ill-defined structure with posterior acoustic enhancement and adjacent hyperemia measuring 3.4 × 3.3 × 3.8 cm. Mammographic findings demonstrated a large, irregular focal asymmetry with surrounding soft tissue infiltration, raising concern for inflammatory breast carcinoma. Differential diagnosis was carefully considered due to similar imaging features. Based on imaging characteristics, clinical findings, and disease course, granulomatous mastitis was determined to be the most likely diagnosis. There were no laboratory tests performed for this case. The patient was given antibiotics, resulting in symptom improvement. This case highlights the importance of correlating sonographic findings with clinical history to differentiate granulomatous mastitis from malignant breast pathology. Early diagnosis is essential for appropriate patient management.
Keywords: granulomatous mastitis, benign, breast ultrasound, mammogram
Program Description
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Start Date
4-21-2026 1:30 PM
End Date
4-21-2026 3:30 PM
Recommended Citation
Heindl, Trinity, "Benign but Aggressive: Navigating the Diagnostic & Therapeutic Challenges of Granulomatous Mastitis" (2026). GS4 Student Scholars Symposium. 60.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/research_symposium/2026A/2026A/60
Benign but Aggressive: Navigating the Diagnostic & Therapeutic Challenges of Granulomatous Mastitis
Savannah Ballroom
Abstract
Granulomatous mastitis is a rare, benign inflammatory breast condition that often mimics malignancy on imaging and clinical presentation, making accurate diagnosis challenging. This case study presents a 51-year-old Caucasian female who reported sharp pain and a tender, palpable area in the outer quadrant of the right breast. The patient had no significant hormonal or medication history but did report a family history of breast cancer in a maternal aunt. A unilateral limited breast ultrasound was performed using a high-frequency linear transducer, revealing a heterogeneous, ill-defined structure with posterior acoustic enhancement and adjacent hyperemia measuring 3.4 × 3.3 × 3.8 cm. Mammographic findings demonstrated a large, irregular focal asymmetry with surrounding soft tissue infiltration, raising concern for inflammatory breast carcinoma. Differential diagnosis was carefully considered due to similar imaging features. Based on imaging characteristics, clinical findings, and disease course, granulomatous mastitis was determined to be the most likely diagnosis. There were no laboratory tests performed for this case. The patient was given antibiotics, resulting in symptom improvement. This case highlights the importance of correlating sonographic findings with clinical history to differentiate granulomatous mastitis from malignant breast pathology. Early diagnosis is essential for appropriate patient management.
Keywords: granulomatous mastitis, benign, breast ultrasound, mammogram
