Abstract

The aim of the study was to present the author’s experience with the various treatment methods of Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis (IGM) with special reference to use of Anti–TB drugs.

Methods: 19 patients diagnosed as IGM were put under different treatment methods based on the clinical presentation. This included observation, antibiotics, incision &drainage and Anti–TB drugs. The treatment process in each group examined and the results were analyzed respectively.

Results: In patients with breast lump< 2cm (n=3), simple observation followed by antibiotic treatment if the lump persisted (n=1) was sufficient. In lumps > 2cm, antibiotic treatment was successful in most of the cases (n=6). Only in four cases the lump was persistent and Anti TB drugs were started. Complete healing was achieved by surgical intervention followed by antibiotics in cases of discharging sinus. Patients with an abscess pocket (n=3), only one case resolved while two had to be put on Anti TB drugs.  

 Conclusion: The clinical course of IGM is complex and the outcome of each treatment type was variable. Surgery and antibiotics play an important role when the lesion is localized as an abscess pocket or mass forming lesion. Our study showed that Anti TB medication is another safe and effective systemic therapy that can be used as a compensatory treatment for IGM.