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Breasts (Mastopathy)

Diabetic mastopathy

What is diabetic mastopathy?

This is the name given to fibrous (tough) breast tissue, which can develop in people with diabetes. A person would notice hard lumps in one or both breasts.

Who gets diabetic mastopathy?

Diabetic mastopathy is a rare condition. It is usually seen in women who are pre-menopausal, and who have had Type 1 diabetes for many years, although very rarely it can be seen in men with diabetes as well. Often diabetic mastopathy is associated with micro-vascular complications (damage to the eyes, kidneys and heart), and some people will also have other disorders such as thyroid problems.

What is the cause?

This is not totally understood, but many factors are thought to be involved. It appears to be due to material that is deposited in the breast due to the high blood glucose levels.

Why might someone suspect they have diabetic mastopathy?

It presents as single or multiple hard, non tender, lump(s), in one or both breasts. As is the case for anyone, if a person with diabetes discovers a lump, or lumps, in their breast, they should get them checked out by their doctor as soon as possible.

How would diabetic mastopathy be confirmed?

This would be done by taking a mammogram and/or ultrasound scan of the affected breast(s). Following this there would be a fine needle aspiration of the lump (removal of cells or fluid from the lump (lesion) using a fine needle), or a biopsy (removal of a small piece of the lesion). The material that has been removed from the breast will be sent to the laboratory for identification. This will confirm that the lesion is not malignant (cancerous), but that it is due to diabetic mastopathy.

What is the treatment?

If there is only one lesion, it is often removed. These lesions commonly appear in both breasts however and re-occur after removal. They may in this case be allowed to develop. When several lesions develop they can become uncomfortable and in this situation the lesions may be removed.

Lesions due to diabetic mastopathy do not become malignant, but the number and size of the lesions tends to increase as women get older. Women who have developed diabetic mastopathy should be examined annually using  mammography and ultrasound.

All pre-menopausal women with Type 1 diabetes should have regular breast examination for diabetic mastopathy.