Granulomatus Mastitis in a male

hi all,

My husband has had granulomatus mastitis for about 3 years now. In the beginning nobody recognised what it was and while in A&E when it first erupted, a doctor was actually squeezing the pus out while my husband yelled in agony.  His blood pressure was VERY high and infection was really bad. He had a week's stay in hospital on an antibiotic drip.  Biopsies, xrays and drains followed and eventually GM was diagnosed.  Since then he's been treated by a rheumatologist and has been on steroids, BP tablets and Omaprezole for his stomach.  There's been no sign of the horrid thing until January, when he was taken off the tablets.  Now it's back to square one and he has another abscess, and more pain. The consultant rheumatologist has told him she's never seen it in a male.  His own GP actually said its way out of her league.  

Please forgive me if you think perhaps I shouldn't post this on a cancer forum. 

Will it EVER go away or be cured? Does anyone here have any knowledge of the condition in a male?  

  • Hello delilah1977

    I'm sorry to hear about your husband's ongoing breast tissue problems. It sounds as if it's been quite a difficult time for him and it's understandable that you want to reach out to try and get some support and advice. 

    Granulomatus mastitis is a rare condition and as such will probably make it more difficult to try and connect with another man who has been through this condition. 

    You don't mention if he has been under the care of a specialist beast clinic at any point but this may be something that you might want to explore. Getting a second opinion from another specialist may open up other avenues. 

    Please do also give our team of nurses a call. I'm sure that they would be happy to chat with you and try and offer any advice or support that they can. They're available Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    I'm sorry that I can't be of more help but I do hope that you're able to find the support needed and that things settle and improve soon. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Hello Jenn

    Thank you for replying.  He has never been treated by a specialist breast clinic although right at the start, he did attend a breast clinic who gave him scans, biopsies etc and then referred him on to the rheumatologist, however, I've been trawling the internet today and found an expert breast surgeon in a hospital in Wolverhampton.  I'm not sure how I could arrange a consultation there, but I have emailed her.  Whether I get a reply or not, I don't know, but I'll go on searching for help. I think a second opinion is a good idea. 

    Would he ask his own GP for a referral?  He, and I, would be mindful of not being disrespectful of his present consultant.

    Kind regards

    Delilah

     

     

  • Hi Delilah

    Absolutely he could speak to his GP about a referral to the clinician that you've found. As you've already mentioned, his GP has said this is beyond their expertise and the Consultant he's currently seeing has never had a man with this condition either. 

    Hopefully, you may hear something back from your email but give the GP a call. 

    As I've mentioned about if you want to chat things through with one of our nurses you're most welcome to give them a ring. 

    I really do hope that you have some headway with this soon. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Thank you Jenn, I shall let you know how we get on.