Mastopathy 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.
Q. Who gets diabetic mastopathy?
A. Diabetic mastopathy is an uncommon 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.
Q. What is the cause?
A.The exact cause is unknown. The condition was only first described in 1984(1).It is thought to be the result of chronic damage to the breast tissue due to persistently high blood glucose levels.
Q. Why might someone suspect they have diabetic mastopathy?
A. Hard, non-tender nodules (lumps), would be felt in one or both breasts. As is the case for anyone who discovers a lump in their breast, they should be examined by their doctor as soon as possible.
Q. How would diabetic mastopathy be confirmed?
A. A mammogram may be arranged but if the breast tissue is too dense for a good image then ultrasound scanning would be used.
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 removed from the breast is sent to the laboratory for identification. This will confirm that the lesion is not malignant (cancerous), but that it is due to diabetic mastopathy.
Q. What is the treatment?
A: Once it has been ascertained that the lump is not cancerous treatment may well just inolve control of blood glucose and regular checking that they are not changing in size. If they become uncomfortable then they may be removed. Often if the lumps are removed they may re-occur.
Regular breast self-examination is important for all women but especially so if you have a history of mastopathy. If you are unsure about how to do this your practice nurse will be able to show you, and if you are uncertain of what you are feeling, then make an appointment for a check with your doctor
References
1: Soler NG, Khandori R. Fibrous disease of the breast, thiroiditis and cheirartropathy in type 1 diabetes mellitus. Lancet 1984;I: 193-4