Breast Sarcoidosis Management: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.
| Title: | Breast Sarcoidosis Management: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. |
|---|---|
| Authors: | Alghamdi A; General Surgery, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Jeddah, SAU.; Alowaydhi HM; General Surgery, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, SAU.; General Surgery, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, SAU.; General Surgery, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Jeddah, SAU.; Kahtani FF; College of Medicine, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Jeddah, SAU.; Mikwar Z; General Surgery, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Jeddah, SAU. |
| Source: | Cureus [Cureus] 2025 Nov 25; Vol. 17 (11), pp. e97777. Date of Electronic Publication: 2025 Nov 25 (Print Publication: 2025). |
| Publication Type: | Case Reports; Journal Article |
| Language: | English |
| Journal Info: | Publisher: Cureus, Inc Country of Publication: United States NLM ID: 101596737 Publication Model: eCollection Cited Medium: Print ISSN: 2168-8184 (Print) Linking ISSN: 21688184 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Cureus Subsets: PubMed not MEDLINE |
| Imprint Name(s): | Original Publication: Palo Alto, CA : Cureus, Inc. |
| Abstract: | Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous inflammatory disease of unclear pathogenesis, predominantly affecting northern Europeans and occurring more commonly in females and non-smokers. Breast involvement in sarcoidosis is rare, often confused with malignant lesions, and typically diagnosed incidentally. This report presents a case of a breast lump initially suspected to be a recurrent abscess, later confirmed as sarcoidosis. A 27-year-old breastfeeding mother presented with a large, painful right breast lump three months postpartum (P2G0). Initial imaging suggested an abscess or galactocele. Despite incision, drainage, and antibiotics, the mass recurred. Further surgical intervention and biopsy revealed non-caseating granulomas, consistent with sarcoidosis. Systemic involvement was ruled out through comprehensive imaging and laboratory tests, leading to a diagnosis of Löfgren's syndrome. The patient was treated with systemic steroids and hydroxychloroquine, resulting in significant improvement and symptom resolution. Breast sarcoidosis is often diagnosed incidentally owing to screening programmes. The literature review highlights the importance of tissue biopsy for definitive diagnosis, as clinical and radiological features are non-specific. Misdiagnosis with tuberculosis (TB) is common due to overlapping presentations. The relationship between sarcoidosis and cancer remains complex, with some studies suggesting an increased risk of malignancy in sarcoidosis patients. Breast sarcoidosis, though rare, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of breast lesions. A multidisciplinary approach and thorough diagnostic workup are crucial. Further research is needed to better understand the potential malignancy risk associated with breast sarcoidosis.; (Copyright © 2025, Alghamdi et al.) |
| Competing Interests: | Human subjects: Informed consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work. |
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| Contributed Indexing: | Keywords: breast lesions; breast mass; breast sarcoidosis; granulomatous inflammation; lofgren’s syndrome; non-caseating granulomas; sarcoidosis diagnosis |
| Entry Date(s): | Date Created: 20251229 Date Completed: 20251229 Latest Revision: 20251231 |
| Update Code: | 20260130 |
| PubMed Central ID: | PMC12740275 |
| DOI: | 10.7759/cureus.97777 |
| PMID: | 41458803 |
| Database: | MEDLINE |
Case Reports; Journal Article