RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis, four decades since its first description still remains a disease of dilemma. Correct diagnosis with exclusion of various causes and appropriate treatment with surgery, antibiotics and steroids are the keys to overcome the persisting challenge that lies in management of this dilemmatic disease. MATERIAL: We report 4 cases of idiopathic granulomatous mastitis that were treated in Kannur medical college hospital. CONCLUSION: Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis is uncommon benign breast disease that can be confused with two of the very common breast conditions, breast carcinoma and breast abscess. The management of IGM needs a holistic approach with the surgeon, pathologist and radiologist working in unison to unravel the difficulties that lie in treating this disease and bringing back the smile on patients face.