Presentation and Management of Non-Lactational Mastitis in Sulaimani Breast Clinic, Iraq

Volume 16 , Issue 1 , July 2026

Authors

Bnar Star 1 ; Nizar Mohamed Hamawandi 2

1 University o Sulaimani,college of medicine

2 University of Sulaimani

DOI logo 10.17656/jsmc.10514

Keywords

Abstract

Background: Non-lactational mastitis (NLM) is a complex inflammatory breast condition with diverse etiologies and significant diagnostic challenges.

Objectives: To describe the clinical presentation and management approaches of NLM among patients.

Methods: A prospective, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted from November 1, 2024, to February 1, 2025, on 83 females diagnosed with NLM. Data on patients’ sociodemographics, clinical features, imaging, laboratory results, histopathology, and different lines of management were collected and analyzed.

Results: The patients’ ages ranged from 24 to 69 years, while their body mass indices ranged from 23.58 to 41.65 kg/m². Common presentations included breast lumps (49.4%) and breast pain (43.4%), often with delayed presentation. Granulomatous mastitis (GM) was the most prevalent type (60.2%), followed by periductal mastitis (PDM) (21.7%), with infectious mastitis and abscess (18.07%). Ultrasound predominantly showed breast masses in 16 patients (64.0% BIRADS 3), while mammography revealed focal asymmetrical density in 15 (68.2% BIRADS 3). Treatment comprised medical therapy in 67.5%, aspiration in 28.9%, and surgery in 3.6%. GM had the highest recurrence rate (28%), whereas PDM responded well to antibiotics with 94.4% resolution.

Conclusions: GM was the predominant NLM type in this population. Type-specific management, including corticosteroids for GM and antibiotics for PDM, is crucial for optimal outcomes.

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