Published online Sep 26, 2021. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i27.8249
Peer-review started: May 12, 2021
First decision: June 15, 2021
Revised: June 29, 2021
Accepted: August 2, 2021
Article in press: August 2, 2021
Published online: September 26, 2021
Granulomatous lobular mastitis (GLM) is a type of benign chronic inflammatory disease that poses therapeutic challenges to healthcare providers. The diagnosis of GLM relies on tissue biopsy, and incorrect treatment may lead to delayed diagnosis, considerable aesthetic damage, and even mastectomy.
We report the case of a 37-year-old Chinese woman who was lactating and had GLM in both breasts. At the time of treatment, the right breast had a mass of approximately 15 cm × 11 cm, which was hard and had poor mobility. Multiple skin ulcerations and pus spills were also observed on the surface of the breast. The left breast had a mass of about 13 cm × 9 cm, which was hard and had poor mobility.
Herein, we report a case of bilateral GLM in a lactating woman that was successfully treated with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), without the requirement for surgery or other treatments. Therefore, TCM may have advantages in the nonsurgical treatment of GLM.
Core Tip: The treatment of granulomatous lobular mastitis (GLM) with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) combined with external treatment has a significant positive effect coupled with a low recurrence rate. Thus, TCM is considered an appropriate treatment modality for the majority of patients with GLM and can also protect the appearance of the breast.