Current approaches to diagnosing and treating idiopathic granulomatous mastitis: A summary from in-depth clinician interviews

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Current approaches to diagnosing and treating idiopathic granulomatous mastitis: A summary from in-depth clinician interviews
Title:
Current approaches to diagnosing and treating idiopathic granulomatous mastitis: A summary from in-depth clinician interviews
Journal Title:
Heliyon
Publication Date:
24 September 2024
Citation:
Ong, S. S., Sim, J. X. Y., Chan, C.-W., Ho, P. J., Lim, Z. L., Hartman, M., & Li, J. (2024). Current approaches to diagnosing and treating idiopathic granulomatous mastitis: A summary from in-depth clinician interviews. Heliyon, 10(19), e38345. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e38345
Abstract:
Background: Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a rare, chronic inflammatory breast condition primarily affecting women of reproductive age. Its diagnosis is challenging due to similarities with other breast disorders, necessitating exclusion of other granulomatous diseases. The management of IGM remains inconsistent and unclear, with high recurrence rates and varying practices. Methods: This qualitative study involved semi-structured interviews with nine clinicians from Singapore, Malaysia, and Egypt to examine current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for IGM. Transcripts were analysed using NVivo software for coding and summarisation. Findings: Clinicians predominantly used imaging and histopathology for diagnosis. Treatment commonly involved corticosteroids, though dosages and tapering regimens varied widely. Methotrexate was used sparingly for refractory cases due to associated risks. Surgical interventions were infrequent, reflecting a preference for medical management. There was a consensus on the need for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to establish standardised treatment protocols. Interpretation: This study reveals the complex nature of IGM diagnosis and treatment from clinicians in Singapore, Malaysia and Egypt. This underscores the need for more specific and definitive diagnostic tests, rather than relying on exclusionary methods, and standardised treatment guidelines. Multi-centre RCTs are essential for developing evidence-based protocols to improve patient outcomes and address regional differences effectively.
License type:
Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
Funding Info:
This research is supported by core funding from: Agency for Science, Technology and Research
Grant Reference no. :
Description:
We extend our sincere appreciation to the clinicians who participated in this study, and the participants and ineligible participants for referrals to additional clinicians. We also want to thank our dedicated research and administrative staff Ganga Devi D/O Chandrasegran, and Nur Khaliesah Mohamed Riza for their contributions. This study was supported by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR). The research was funded for the open access journal publication fee, with no influence from the funding source on study design, data collection, analysis, or publication decisions.
ISSN:
2405-8440