Cross-sectional study of hepatitis B virus infection in female breast cancer patients in China for the first time diagnosed.

BACKGROUND: The correlation between breast cancer and hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains inconclusive. This study aims to explore the serological status of HBV infection and past infection in different age groups of female breast cancer patients, patients with benign breast diseases, and individuals undergoing routine physical examinations. METHODS: Serum data on HBV serological markers were collected and analyzed from 6072 female breast cancer patients first diagnosed from September 2012 to July 2020 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, along with 4019 women with benign breast diseases and 54,740 healthy females undergoing routine physical examinations in the same period. The data were stratified by age for comparison between groups. RESULTS: The prevalence of HBV infection and past infection in the breast cancer group (7.9%, 55.1%) was higher than that in the benign breast disease group (6.5%, 39.1%) and the healthy females group(5.0%, 17.6%);the rate of only HBV surface antibody positivity (HBsAb ( +)) in the breast cancer group (10.3%) was lower than that in the benign breast disease group (26.9%) and the healthy females group (49.2%), with significant differences between the three groups (p < 0.05). Stratified by age, the prevalence of HBV infection in the breast cancer group (8%, 8.9%) and benign breast disease group (7.75%, 8.1%)was higher than that in the healthy females group (4.5%, 6.3%) in the 30-39 and 40-49 age group, respectively. The past infection rate of HBV in the breast cancer group (24.8%, 45.0%) was higher than that in the benign breast disease group (16.1%, 35.4%) in the ≤ 29 and 30-39 age group, respectively.. The past infection rate of HBV in the breast cancer group was higher than that in the healthy females group in all age groups, while the rate of only HBsAb ( +) in the breast cancer group was lower than that in the benign breast disease group and the routine physical examination group in all age groups. CONCLUSIONS: Breast cancer women and women with benign breast diseases have higher rates of hepatitis B virus infection and previous infections, with more significant differences among middle-aged women. Breast cancer women and women with benign breast diseases have lower rates of only HBsAb ( +) for HBV.

Tuberculosis mamaria. Reporte de dos casos / Breast tuberculosis. Report of two cases

Resumen Se presentan los casos de dos pacientes con tu berculosis (TB) mamaria, una de ellas también con compromiso pleural y ganglionar. Ambas HIV nega tivas, sin antecedentes de TB previa, con lesiones mamarias de largo tiempo de evolución. Las dos pre sentaron buena evolución con tratamiento antifímico. La TB mamaria es una afección muy poco frecuente de difícil diagnóstico. Se presentan los casos con el fin de plantear su diagnóstico diferencial en pa cientes con mastitis crónicas y/o lesiones nodulares o ulceradas de la mama. Se recomienda el manejo multidisciplinario.

Abstract Two cases of mammary tuberculosis (TB) are present ed, one of them with additional pleural and lymph node involvement. Both were HIV-negative, with no history of previous TB, with long-standing breast lesions. Both presented a successful outcome with antituberculosis treatment. Breast TB is a very rare pathology that is dif ficult to diagnose. The cases are presented to consider their differential diagnosis in patients with chronic mas titis and/or nodular or ulcerated lesions of the breast. Multidisciplinary management is recommended.

[Breast tuberculosis. Report of two cases]. / Tuberculosis mamaria. Reporte de dos casos.

Two cases of mammary tuberculosis (TB) are presented, one of them with additional pleural and lymph node involvement. Both were HIV-negative, with no history of previous TB, with long-standing breast lesions. Both presented a successful outcome with antituberculosis treatment. Breast TB is a very rare pathology that is difficult to diagnose. The cases are presented to consider their differential diagnosis in patients with chronic mastitis and/or nodular or ulcerated lesions of the breast. Multidisciplinary management is recommended.

Se presentan los casos de dos pacientes con tuberculosis (TB) mamaria, una de ellas también con compromiso pleural y ganglionar. Ambas HIV negativas, sin antecedentes de TB previa, con lesiones mamarias de largo tiempo de evolución. Las dos presentaron buena evolución con tratamiento antifímico. La TB mamaria es una afección muy poco frecuente de difícil diagnóstico. Se presentan los casos con el fin de plantear su diagnóstico diferencial en pacientes con mastitis crónicas y/o lesiones nodulares o ulceradas de la mama. Se recomienda el manejo multidisciplinario.

Association of SNP rs5069 in APOA1 with Benign Breast Diseases in a Mexican Population.

Breast cancer (BCa) is the most common type of cancer affecting women worldwide. Some histological subtypes of benign breast disease (BBD) are considered risk factors for developing BCa. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes encoding apolipoproteins A-I (APOA1) and B (APOB) have been associated with BCa in Tunisian, Chinese, and Taiwanese populations. The objective of this pilot study is to evaluate the possible contribution of APOA1 and APOB polymorphisms to BCa and BBD in the Mexican population. We analyzed the association of 4 SNPs in genes encoding apolipoproteins: rs670 and rs5069 in the APOA1 gene, and rs693 and rs1042031 in the APOB gene, by performing PCR-RFLP with DNA extracted from the biopsy tissue of Mexican women with BCa or BBD and whole blood samples obtained from the general population (GP). Our results showed an association between the CT + TT genotypes of the SNP rs5069 and BBD (p = 0.03201). In the A-T haplotype, the frequency of the SNPs rs670 and rs5069 differed significantly between the BBD group and the GP and BCa groups (p = 0.004111; p = 0.01303). In conclusion, the SNP rs5069 is associated with BBD but not with BCa in the Mexican population.

Adipocytokines and Insulin Resistance: Their Role as Benign Breast Disease and Breast Cancer Risk Factors in a High-Prevalence Overweight-Obesity Group of Women over 40 Years Old.

Insulin levels, adipocytokines, and inflammatory mediators trigger benign breast disease (BBD) and breast cancer (BC). The relationship between serum adipocytokines levels, overweight-obesity, metabolic disturbs, and BC is unclear. Methods: To analyze the serum levels of the adipocytokines, insulin, and the HOMA IR in women without breast disease, with BBD or BC, and the role of these as risk factors for benign breast disease or breast cancer. Results: Adipsin values > 0.91 and visfatin levels > 1.18 ng/mL represent a risk factor to develop BBD in NBD lean women (OR = 18; and OR = 12). Data in overweight-obese women groups confirm the observation due to insulin levels > 2.6 mU/mL and HOMA IR > 0.78, with OR = 60.2 and 18, respectively; adipsin OR = 26.4, visfatin OR = 12. Breast cancer risk showed a similar behavior: Adipsin risk, adjusted by insulin and visfatin OR = 56 or HOMA IR and visfatin OR = 22.7. Conclusion: Adipose tissue is crucial for premalignant and malignant tissue transformation in women with overweight-obesity. The adipocyte−breast epithelium interaction could trigger a malignant transformation in a continuum, starting with BBD as premalignant disease, especially in overweight-obese women.

Triple negative breast cancer originating from a cystic lesion

Malignant neoplasm diagnosed after radiological evaluation of a simple breast cyst is rare. This report described the case of a young patient with an initial simple cystic lesion, whom, in 18-month follow-up examinations, showed a change in the imaging pattern of the cyst, and underwent biopsy, where a triple negative carcinoma was identified. In addition, the diagnosis occurred during pregnancy, which makes the present report even rarer.

Tratamento exitoso de pioderma gangrenoso após mamoplastia redutora: relato de caso / Successful treatment of pyoderma gangrenosum after reducing mammoplasty: a case report

RESUMO Introdução: O pioderma gangrenoso é uma doença inflamatória rara caracterizada pela presença de lesões ulceradas. A etiologia é desconhecida, mas aparentemente relaciona-se com fatores imunológicos. Os autores relatam um caso de pioderma gangrenoso no pós-operatório de uma mamoplastia redutora, o tratamento e a importância do diagnóstico precoce para obtenção de um bom resultado estético. Métodos: Trata-se de uma paciente de 18 anos que desenvolveu pioderma gangrenoso após uma mamoplastia redutora. Os sintomas iniciais foram a formação de bolhas de coloração violácea e lesões ulceradas em ambas mamas. Suspeitou-se a doença e a paciente foi tratada prontamente com prednisolona. Foram realizadas culturas, biópsias e exames sanguíneos. Realizou-se terapia hiperbárica e suporte nutricional. Foram realizados curativos diários com fator de crescimento epidérmico. Após 60 dias de acompanhamento foi possível conseguir uma cicatrização adequada da feridas e bons resultados estéticos. Resultados: O diagnóstico precoce associado a uma terapia sistêmica imunossupressora e cuidados locais rigorosos foram fundamentais para a estabilização da doença. A associação com terapia hiperbárica e o suporte nutricional contribuíram para a epitelização das lesões e o controle do quadro clínico. A aproximação das bordas da ferida com sutura subdérmica e posterior sutura intradérmica foram possíveis devido à recuperação da derme e estabilização da doença. Conclusão: O diagnóstico precoce de pioderma gangrenoso é fundamental para conseguir a estabilização da doença. É possível atingir bons resultados estéticos baseados em 4 elementos: corticoide sistêmico precoce, curativos locais diários com fator de crescimento epidérmico, suporte nutricional e terapia hiperbárica.

Abstract Introduction: Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare inflammatory disease characterized by the presence of ulcerated lesions. The etiology is unknown but apparently relates to immunological factors. The authors report a case of pyoderma gangrenosum in the postoperative period of a reduction mammoplasty, treatment, and the importance of early diagnosis to obtain a good aesthetic result. Methods: This is an 18-year-old patient who developed pyoderma gangrenosum after a reduction mammoplasty. The initial symptoms were the formation of violet blisters and ulcerated lesions in both breasts. The disease was suspected, and the patient was promptly treated with prednisolone. Cultures, biopsies and blood tests were performed. Hyperbaric therapy and nutritional support were performed. Daily dressings with epidermal growth factors were performed. After 60 days of follow-up, it was possible to achieve adequate wound healing and good aesthetic results. Results: Early diagnosis associated with systemic immunosuppressive therapy and rigorous local care were fundamental for disease stabilization. The association with hyperbaric therapy and nutritional support contributed to the lesion's epithelialization and the clinical picture control. The approximation of the wound edges with subdermal suture and the subsequent intradermal suture was possible due to the recovery of the dermis and stabilization of the disease. Conclusion: Early diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum is essential to achieve stabilization of the disease. It is possible to achieve good aesthetic results based on four elements: early systemic corticosteroids, daily local dressings with epidermal growth factor, nutritional support, and hyperbaric therapy.

Gene-Environment Interaction between Arg72Pro SNP and Selected Environmental Exposures among Brazilian Women Diagnosed with Benign Breast Disease.

BACKGROUND: Benign breast disease (BBD) is a factor strongly associated with breast cancer worldwide. Arg72Pro SNP association with breast cancer is controversial due to the suggestion that environmental factors are required to modulate such risk. There are no studies evaluating these environmental interactions of the aforementioned SNP within BBD. AIM: To determine the frequency of SNP Arg72Pro in a cohort of women diagnosed with BBD; and to investigate gene-environmental interactions with environmental factors. RESULTS: The genotype frequency was 44.6% for Arg/Pro, 39.3% for Arg/Arg genotype, and 16.3% for Pro/Pro homozygote. Gene-environment interaction analysis shows that when Arg/Arg is considered as reference, there is an ORinteraction with Arg/Pro and fabric exposure (OR=1.90;95%CI:1.04,3.48), solvents (OR=2.21;95%CI:1.01,4.83) and chlorine, bleaches, disinfectants, and liquid wax exposure (OR=2.52;95%CI:1.07,5.91). Analysis with Pro/Pro genotype as the reference showed an interaction between alcohol consumption and recessive model (OR=1.58;95%CI:1.00,2.51). Gene-environmental interactions were observed too between exposure to hair dyes, straighteners or relaxers and Arg/Arg (OR=3.26;95%CI:1.21,8.82). CONCLUSION: The Arg/Pro genotype was the most frequent in the BBD cohort. When compared with the Arg/Arg genotype, the presence of Arg/Pro genotype and solvents, fabric and cleaning products exposure increased the risk of BBD. When compared with Pro/Pro genotype, there were interactions between recessive model with alcohol consumption and exposure to hair products on the risk of BBD.

A Computational Method to Assist the Diagnosis of Breast Disease Using Dynamic Thermography.

Breast cancer has been the second leading cause of cancer death among women. New techniques to enhance early diagnosis are very important to improve cure rates. This paper proposes and evaluates an image analysis method to automatically detect patients with breast benign and malignant changes (tumors). Such method explores the difference of Dynamic Infrared Thermography (DIT) patterns observed in patients' skin. After obtaining the sequential DIT images of each patient, their temperature arrays are computed and new images in gray scale are generated. Then the regions of interest (ROIs) of those images are segmented and, from them, arrays of the ROI temperature are computed. Features are extracted from the arrays, such as the ones based on statistical, clustering, histogram comparison, fractal geometry, diversity indices and spatial statistics. Time series that are broken down into subsets of different cardinalities are generated from such features. Automatic feature selection methods are applied and used in the Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier. In our tests, using a dataset of 68 images, 100% accuracy was achieved.

Risk Factors for Disease Recurrence in Women With Phyllodes Tumors of the Breast in Southern Colombia: A Nine-Year Cohort Study.

Introduction Phyllodes tumors (PTs) are uncommon fibroepithelial breast tumors that occur in middle-aged women, and they tend to vary in biologic behavior. Surgical management is the standard therapy for the condition, but factors associated with recurrence remain unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical and surgical characteristics related to PT recurrences. Methods This retrospective cohort study included patients in southern Colombia who were diagnosed with PT and managed at a level I teaching and referral hospital over a nine-year period. Factors associated with recurrence were determined by Cox regression analysis. Results This study included 61 patients; their median age was 46 years [interquartile range (IQR): 39-55 years]. Pathologically, 37 tumors (60.7%) were classified as low-grade. The median tumor size was 7 cm (IQR: 4-11.5 cm). Thirty-nine (63.9%) patients underwent quadrantectomy. Nine patients (14.8%) experienced tumor recurrence, with the median time to recurrence being one year (IQR: 0.5-2 years). Distant metastasis was observed in four patients (6.6%) at a median of nine months (IQR: 0.4-2.5 years). Univariate analyses showed that patients with high-grade tumors [hazard ratio (HR): 2.90, p = 0.148] and those who underwent mastectomy (HR: 2.90, p = 0.460) were at higher risk of recurrence. Conclusion PT recurrence may be associated with biological features, the extent of local excision, tumor size, and negative margins. However, multicenter data are needed to confirm these findings.

First-line endocrine therapy for advanced breast cancer. A real-world study at a Latin American university health institution.

Objective: Clinical guidelines recommend the use of endocrine therapy (ET) in advanced hormone receptor positive (HR+) human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 negative (HER2-) breast cancer (BC) patients in the absence of visceral disease or ET resistance. Furthermore, studies indicate similar response and survival rates using ET or cytotoxic chemotherapy (CT).Methods: Herein, we assessed clinical characteristics, type of systemic therapy and survival rates of advanced HR + HER2-BC patients in our database.Results: A total of 172 advanced HR + HER2-BC patients were treated at our institution between 1997 and 2019. Sixty percent received first-line ET (4% received combined ET). Median age of this subset was 55 years (range: 30-86). Similarly, the median age of patients that received CT was 54 years (range: 21-83). Over time, 30% of patients received ET in the 2000-2005 period; this increased to 70% in the 2016-2019 period (p = .045). Overall survival (OS) was 97 months and 51 months for patients treated with ET or CT, respectively (p = .002).Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge this is the first study assessing the use of ET in Chilean advanced HR + HER2-BC patients. Several patients in our institution receive CT without indication. The increase in ET usage over time can be attributed to better and faster immunohistochemical detection methods for Estrogen Receptor (ER), changes in educational and government policies, and a wider variety of ET options. Finally, clinical trials have failed to demonstrate a substantial benefit of CT over ET in this setting.

Caracterización clínico-etiológica y bioquímica de pacientes con ginecomastia / Clinical- etiological and biochemical characterization of patients with gunecomastia

RESUMEN Introducción: La ginecomastia define el aumento benigno del tamaño de la glándula mamaria en el hombre. Objetivo: Determinar las características clínicas, etiológicas y bioquímicas de los pacientes con diagnóstico de ginecomastia atendidos en el servicio de Cirugía General. Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal en una muestra de 108 pacientes, mayores de 18 años, atendidos en el servicio de Cirugía General con diagnóstico de ginecomastia. El estudio se llevó a cabo en los Hospitales Mariano Pérez Balí y Celia Sánchez Manduley, entre septiembre 2015 y marzo 2017. Se determinó edad, características clínicas, etiología y perfil bioquímico de estos pacientes. Resultados: La edad media fue de 27,63 años siendo la afectación estética el principal motivo de consulta. Predominó la ginecomastia bilateral, el sobrepeso/obesidad, el grado IIa de la enfermedad, la etiología idiopática y el antecedente de ginecomastia puberal. La presencia de galactorrea, hiperprolactinemia, hipoandrogenismo e hiperestrogenemia fue mínima. Conclusiones: La ginecomastia bilateral de causa idiopática, en pacientes con sobrepeso/obesidad y niveles normales de hormonas hipofisarias y gonadales es la forma de presentación más frecuente de esta afección(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: Gynecomastia defines the benign increase of the mammary gland size in men. Objective: To determine the clinical, etiological and biochemical characteristics of patients diagnosed with gynecomastia attended at the General Surgery service. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of 108 patients over the age of 18 years, attended at the service of General Surgery with a diagnosis of gynecomastia. The study was carried out in ´´Mariano Perez Bali´´ and ´´Celia Sánchez Manduley´´ Hospitals from September 2015 to March 2017. The age, clinical characteristics, etiology, and biochemical profile of these patients were determined. Results: The mean age was 27.63 years and the aesthetic affectations were the main reason for consultation. There was a predominance of bilateral gynecomastia, overweight/obesity, grade IIa of the disease, idiopathic etiology and the history of pubertal gynecomastia. The presence of hyperprolactinemia, galactorrhea, hypoandrogenism and hyperstrogenism was minimal. Conclusions: Bilateral gynecomastia of idiopathic cause, in patients with overweight/obesity and normal levels of gonadal and pituitary hormones is the most common presentation of this condition(AU)

Family history of breast cancer and risk of benign breast diseases: an integrative literature review

Introduction: Some benign breast diseases (BBD) can determine an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Environmental factors related to lifestyle and family history of breast cancer may be associated with BBD development. However, the effect of family history of breast cancer on the risk of benign breast diseases is still unclear. Objective: To evaluate the association between family history of breast cancer and benign breast diseases. Methods: This is an integrative review that selected observational studies in different databases to analyze the association between BBD and family history of breast cancer, considering the different classification criteria for both benign diseases and family history. All studies were published between 1977 and 2016. A total of 13 studies were selected, among which ten are case-control and case-cohort studies; and three are cohort studies. Most studies received high or moderate quality classification according to the Newcastle-Ottawa assessment scale. Results: Family history of breast cancer was associated with the development of proliferative lesions and the presence of atypia, and it was more closely related to the development of benign diseases in young women, with a tendency to decrease with advancing age. Conclusion: Studies suggest there may be an association between family history of breast cancer and benign breast diseases; nevertheless, no statistically significant results were found in many case-control studies, and more robust prospective research is necessary to further clarify this association.

TREATMENT OF GIANT JUVENILE FIBROADENOMA: RESULT AFTER MINIMALLY INVASIVE APPROACH WITHOUT RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY / Tratamento do fibroadenoma gigante juvenil: abordagem minimamente invasiva sem cirurgia reconstrutora

Fibroadenomas are common benign tumors of the female breast. Those that present as rapidly growing breast tumors exceeding 5 cm in diameter or 500 g in weight in young female patients are commonly classified as giant juvenile fibroadenomas. These tumors are rare, and due to their excessive growth, they are usually enucleated to clarify a malignant origin, to differentiate from phyllodes tumor and to prevent persisting deformities of the breast. This report details the surgical approach to this clinical problem in a 14-year-old female with functional preservation of the breast and a good esthetic result.

Fibroadenomas são tumores benignos comuns da mama feminina. Aqueles que apresentam rápido crescimento excedendo a 5 centímetros de diâmetro ou que pesam mais que 500 gramas em mulheres jovens são classificados como fibroadenomas gigantes juvenis. Estes tumores são raros e, devido seu excessivo crescimento, são comumente enucleados para descartar uma origem maligna, diferenciar de tumores filóides e para evitar deformidades da mama. Este relato de caso detalha uma abordagem cirúrgica em uma adolescente de 14 anos com preservação da mama e bom resultado estético

PHYLLODES TUMORS OF THE BREAST: A RETROSPECTIVE EVALUATION OF CASES FROM THE HOSPITAL DO SERVIDOR PÚBLICO ESTADUAL DE SÃO PAULO / Tumor filoides de mama: avaliação retrospectiva de casos do Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual de São Paulo

Objective: To evaluate the clinical and pathological characteristics of phyllodes tumors, and to identify possible associated risk factors for relapses among patients from the Breast Surgery Department of the Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual of São Paulo (HSPE-SP). Methods: Retrospective, descriptive study of data from 52 patients, between 1976 and 2013. The following data were collected: age, tumor size, histological type, surgical margins, type of surgery performed, relapses and amount of time before relapse. Results: The mean age of the patients was 45.7 years old, the mean size of the tumor was 7.8 cm. A mastectomy was performed on 12 patients, and the others underwent a wide excision. Benign phyllodes tumors were found in 30 patients, and the others were found as follows: 11 with borderline tumors and 11 with malign phyllodes tumors. There was no statistical relevance with regard to the relapses and the characteristics evaluated. Conclusion: The sample studied has similar clinical and pathological characteristics as described in the scientific literature, with the mean age at diagnosis being 45 years old, the mean tumor size, 7.8 cm. The majority found were benign phyllodes tumors and 33% were from relapses. There was no statistical significance between the evaluated variables and the risk for relapse.

Objetivo: Avaliar as características clínicas e patológicas do tumor filoides e identificar fatores relacionados com risco de recidivas em pacientes acompanhadas no ambulatório de Mastologia do Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual de São Paulo (HSPE-SP). Método: Estudo retrospectivo descritivo de dados de 52 pacientes, entre 1976 e 2013, dentre os quais: idade, tamanho do tumor, tipo histológico, margens cirúrgicas, tipo de cirurgia, recidivas e tempo para recidiva. Resultados: A idade média das pacientes foi 45,7 anos. O tamanho médio do tumor foi de 7,8 cm. O tratamento em 12 pacientes foi a mastectomia, e as demais 40 a excisão ampla. O tipo histológico encontrado em 30 pacientes foi tumores benignos, 11 malignos e 11 de variedade borderline. Após o seguimento médio de 53,93 meses, observaram-se 17 recidivas. Não houve relevância estatística entre a recorrência local e as variáveis avaliadas. Conclusões: A amostra avaliada tem características clínicas e patológicas condizentes com a literatura, com média de idade de 45 anos, tamanho do tumor de 7,8 cm, sendo encontrados na maioria tumor filoides benigno e 33% de recidivas. Não houve significância estatística entre características avaliadas e o risco de recidiva.

Mastopatía diabética: a propósito de un caso clínico / Diabetic mastopathy: a clinical case

La mastopatía diabética es una lesión fibroinflamatoria de la mama muy infrecuente, que característicamente se presenta en mujeres premenopáusicas y está fuertemente asociada a diabetes mellitus tipo I. La patogénesis es desconocida, sin embargo, histopatológicamente se ha observado una reacción en el tejido conectivo similar al de algunas enfermedades autoinmunes. La clínica y exámenes complementarios pueden ser sugerentes de neoplasia, por lo que se requiere estudio histopatológico para establecer el diagnóstico definitivo.

Diabetic mastopathy is a very infrequent fibro-inflammatory lesion generally found in pre-menopausal women and is strongly associated with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Its pathogenesis is unknown; however its histopathology shows a connective tissue reaction similar to that of some auto-immune diseases. Its clinical presentation and complementary tests may suggest neoplasm, thus definitive diagnosis requires a histopathological study.

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis--a prospective study of 49 women and treatment outcomes with steroid therapy.

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is an infrequently reported benign breast disease of unknown etiology. Surgical treatment has been widely advocated but can be disfiguring. We describe demographic and clinico-pathologic features of women with IGM in a safety net hospital, and evaluate steroid therapy as a breast-conserving modality of treatment. We also examine a possible ethnic predominance in Hispanic women. We conducted an observational prospective cohort study of all women with biopsy-proven granulomatous mastitis in the breast clinics of an urban safety net public hospital from 2006 to 2010. Demographic, ethnic and clinical data, treatment history, and response to treatment were collected. Patients were followed up prospectively to determine the type of treatment prescribed, complete resolution of disease, and median time to resolution. A nested case-control study was conducted to examine Hispanic prevalence using chi-square statistic. The mean age was 35 years. 80% were Hispanic. 80% presented with a painful breast mass. 59% initially received antibiotics with incomplete resolution. 90% women were prescribed oral steroids, 3% underwent surgical treatment, and 6% remained under observation with spontaneous resolution. Of those who received steroid, 80% had complete resolution of disease with a median time to complete resolution of 159 days (IQR 120-241 days). Ethnicity data in a nested case-control study revealed that women in the IGM group were more likely to be Hispanic than in the control group with an odds ratio of 3 (95% CI 1.42-6.24, p-value 0.0032). IGM is a benign but locally aggressive breast disease. Treatment with steroids is an effective breast-conserving option. Predominance in Hispanic women of childbearing age suggests a common genetic, environmental, immunologic, or infectious etiology and warrants further study with a multi-disciplinary approach.