Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment for Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis Mimicking Breast Cancer: A Retrospective Review of 36 Cases

Purpose: This study aimed to share our experience with anti-tuberculosis (TB) therapy for the management of Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis (IGM). Methods: A retrospective study was performed on 36 IGM cases treated with anti-TB therapy from Jan 2009 to Dec 2012 in our department. Clinical data, including on presentation, histopathology, and management, were analyzed by reviewing medical records. Results: The diagnosis of IGM was based on histopathological evaluation. All patients had been excluded from tuberculosis mastitis by lab examinations. Fifteen relapsed IGM patients were switched to anti-TB treatment after surgery or when prednisolone failed. Another 21 patients accepted anti-TB drugs as their primary treatment. Among the 36 patients, 2 patients stopped treatment because of the side effects of the anti-TB drugs. In a 29.6-month follow-up of 34 patients who completed 6-12 months of therapy, a satisfactory result was obtained for 33 patients. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that treatment with anti-TB drugs is a safe and effective therapy for IGM patients, presenting a high cure rate for both initial and relapsed cases.