Journal of Investigative Medicine High Impact Case Reports (Aug 2023)

Cholesterol Granuloma of the Breast Mimicking Cancer: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

  • Bahaeddine Lahbacha MD,
  • Abir Chaabane MD,
  • Beya Chelly MD,
  • Amel Douggaz MD,
  • Mohamed Karim Mfarrej MD,
  • Ichraf Jbir MD,
  • Salwa Nechi MD,
  • Emna Chelbi MD

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/23247096231193275
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11

Abstract

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Cholesterol granuloma of the breast is an infrequent benign lesion with clinical and radiological findings suggestive of cancer. Herein, we present the case of a 52-year-old woman with no significant past medical history, who presented to the outpatient department for her routine breast screening. Physical examination revealed a painless palpable nodule in the upper external quadrant of the left breast, measuring 0.7 cm. On imaging, the mass met the criteria for Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) category 4B. Subsequently, a core needle biopsy of the mass was performed. Despite the alarming radiologic features, microscopic findings were consistent with breast cholesterol granuloma.