Diabetic mastopathy

Diabetic mastopathy (DMP) is an uncommon breast-related complication, which can happen in patients with diabetes mellitus.

This condition can manifest as hard, fibrous, irregular in shape and painless masses in one or both breasts. These masses are non-cancerous (benign), but can be mistaken for breast cancer.

It is mostly diagnosed in women ( within 13% of pre-menopausal ladies) with long-standing (> 5 years) diabetes, but the condition has also been reported in men.

An accurate diagnosis of DMP is important, because we have to exclude breast cancer. We can recommend for diagnosis: - mammography, - breast ultrasonography, - breast MRI with contrast (if indicated), - biopsy under ultrasonography control, if diagnosis is uncertain.

When we confirmed DMP and exclude breast cancer, we can recommend:

1) Conservative treatment: - normalization of carbohydrate metabolism, - special diet, - drink enough liquid per day (1.5-2 liters), - blood sugar monitoring; - healthy lifestyle, - comfortable bra with a suitable shape and size to avoid squeezing and deformation of the breast, - medications (example, vitamin therapy in cyclic regimen).

2) Surgery can generally be avoided. But some breast lumps can be surgically removed (if it is really indicated). Unfortunately, they can regrow within five years, and can increase in number and size over time.

Important notice: - all ladies with diabetes have to come for a regular routine check-up with two doctors, an endocrinologist and a mammologist (breast disease specialist), - all ladies with diabetes have to continue regular breast cancer screenings, - if a lady with diabetes felt lumps in a breast, she should see her doctor urgently.