Breast sarcoidosis: Clinical features, imaging, and histological findings

Breast J. 2021 Jan;27(1):44-47. doi: 10.1111/tbj.14075. Epub 2020 Oct 8.

Abstract

Breast sarcoidosis is an extremely rare entity (about 1%). Conventional imaging significantly contributes to the detection of breast lesions, but it has been unable to establish a definite diagnosis. Histological examination should be mandatory, over imaging assessments, in order to confirm an early diagnosis and to avoid unjustified treatments. Malignancy should be excluded as a primary differential diagnosis. However, in the presence of granulomas, it is important to recognize other granulomatous disorders such as tuberculosis, Wegener's granulomatosis, or idiopathic granulomatous mastitis, since therapeutic strategies differ. This report clarifies the current clinical assessments and differential diagnosis of breast sarcoidosis.

Keywords: breast sarcoidosis; differential diagnosis; granulomatous diseases; histological diagnosis; malignancy.

MeSH terms

  • Breast / diagnostic imaging
  • Breast Neoplasms*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis* / diagnosis
  • Granulomatous Mastitis* / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Sarcoidosis* / diagnostic imaging
  • Tuberculosis*