Sarcoidosis presenting as spiculated breast masses

• Published in: Mayo Clinic proceedings Vol. 75; no. 3; pp. 293 - 295
• Main Authors: GISVOLD, J. J, CROTTY, T. B, JOHNSON, R. E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Rochester, MN Mayo Medical Ventures 01.03.2000; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Aged; Biological and medical sciences; Breast Diseases - diagnosis; Breast Diseases - diagnostic imaging; Breast Diseases - pathology; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Humans; Inflammation; Mammography; Medical sciences; Sarcoidosis - diagnosis; Sarcoidosis - diagnostic imaging; Sarcoidosis - pathology; Sarcoidosis. Granulomatous diseases of unproved etiology. Connective tissue diseases. Elastic tissue diseases. Vasculitis; Human; Breast disease; Multiple; Sarcoidosis; Clinical form; Female genital diseases; Case study; Mass; Symptomatology; Histopathology; Systemic disease; Breast; Female; Diagnosis; Elderly
• ISSN: 0025-6196; 1942-5546
• DOI: 10.1016/S0025-6196(11)65036-2

A 67-year-old woman sought medical treatment of cardiomyopathy, which had been diagnosed 2 years earlier; the causative factor was sarcoidosis. A screening mammogram revealed multiple spiculated masses in both breasts. A review of previous films obtained elsewhere showed that these masses had been increasing in prominence during the past 3 years. The patient had no visible axillary nodal abnormalities. Sarcoidosis was considered a diagnostic possibility, and a large-core needle biopsy was done with stereotactic guidance. The histological diagnosis was non-necrotizing granulomatous inflammation, consistent with sarcoidosis.