Abstract:

Many women suffer from granulomatous lobular mastitis (GLM) which is often to be misdiagnosed because of less of awareness of it. This form of mastitis is associated with autoimmune reaction and responds well to steroids and immunosuppressive therapy, and thus conservative treatment may be the botter choice. According to recent studies, GLM showed specific clinicopathological features including lobular centric inflammation with giant cells, infiltration of IgG4+ plasma cells and CD4+ or CD8+ lymphocytes, and a high level of serum IgG4. This study provides a new evidence for the relationship between GLM and IgG4related autoimmune diseases, and also put forward a question whether GLM should be redefined. The aim of this review is to summarize the etiology, clinical symptoms, pathology, and current research progresses about diagnosis and therapy of GLM.

Key words: Mastitis； Granuloma； Etiology； Diagnosis； Treatment； Research progress