Granulomatous Lobular Mastitis - Ayurvedic understanding and management - A Case Report

Abstract

Granulomatous lobular mastitis (GLM) is a type of rare benign inflammatory disorder of breast with unknown aetiology. GLM cases presents with breast mass, abscess, inflammation and recurrent mammary duct fistula and necessitates histopathology for an accurate diagnosis. Management of GLM consists of surgical, medical or combined treatment but often results in recurrence, poor wound healing & chronic sinus formation. As per Ayurvedic literature, clinical features of GLM can be considered to different stages of Stana Vidradhi (breast abscess). There are very few reported Ayurveda case studies available in indexed journals in management of GLM. In the present case report a 23-year-old uniparous woman diagnosed with GLM presented with recurrent breast abscess and multiple sinuses over right breast. She was not responsive to steroidal treatment, and required recurrent abscess drainage and sinus tract removal.  The condition with presentation of different stages of Sopha (inflammation), Vidhradi (abscess) & Nadi Vrana (sinus), was treated simultaneously with Sophahara and Vranahara medicines internally as well as Kshalana Ropana medicines externally. Multiple hard lumps were treated with application of Sopha-Granthihara medicines. Symptoms completely resolved in 3 months and she was followed-up without medicines for another 2 years during which period no recurrence was observed. Managing such incurable, highly recurrent conditions with Ayurvedic medicines proves to be promising.