 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
| IJCEM Copyright © 2008-All rights reserved. Published by e-Century Publishing Corporation, Madison, WI 53711 |
Int J Clin Exp Med 2012;5(3):267-270
Case Report
Early-onset breast disease: case of a Grave condition with a favorable prognosis
JJames E Siegler, Steven D Jones, Emad Kandil
Tulane University School of Medicine; Tulane University School of Medicine, Department of Surgery, New Orleans, LA, USA.
Received February 3, 2012; accepted March 30, 2012; Epub June 15, 2012; Published June 30, 2012
Abstract: Background: The relationship between thyroid breast diseases has been well documented, but the clinical impact of Graves
disease on breast tissue is not clear. Patient Findings: Twenty-seven year-old African American female patient who presented with
multiple bilateral breast masses and skin thickening and ulcerations. Biopsy of the breast masses demonstrated fat necrosis. During
her initial evaluation, she was found to be hyperthyroid and was ultimately diagnosed with Graves disease. Her abnormal breast
changes resolved within several months of her medical treatment for Graves disease. Summary: Graves disease may present with
acute-onset breast changes without personal history of trauma or family history of breast abnormalities. Conclusions: Interactions
between thyroid and estrogen hormones should be studied further to determine their exact clinical and pathologic implications. Medical
or surgical management of Graves disease may reverse associated pathologic breast changes.
Keywords: Graves disease, thyroid hormone, estrogen, fat necrosis
Address all correspondence to:
Dr. Emad Kandil
Division of Endocrine and Oncological Surgery
Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine
1430 Tulane Ave. SL-22, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
Tel: (504) 988-7407
E-mail: ekandil@tulane.edu
Case Report
Early-onset breast disease: case of a Grave condition with a favorable prognosis
JJames E Siegler, Steven D Jones, Emad Kandil
Tulane University School of Medicine; Tulane University School of Medicine, Department of Surgery, New Orleans, LA, USA.
Received February 3, 2012; accepted March 30, 2012; Epub June 15, 2012; Published June 30, 2012
Abstract: Background: The relationship between thyroid breast diseases has been well documented, but the clinical impact of Graves
disease on breast tissue is not clear. Patient Findings: Twenty-seven year-old African American female patient who presented with
multiple bilateral breast masses and skin thickening and ulcerations. Biopsy of the breast masses demonstrated fat necrosis. During
her initial evaluation, she was found to be hyperthyroid and was ultimately diagnosed with Graves disease. Her abnormal breast
changes resolved within several months of her medical treatment for Graves disease. Summary: Graves disease may present with
acute-onset breast changes without personal history of trauma or family history of breast abnormalities. Conclusions: Interactions
between thyroid and estrogen hormones should be studied further to determine their exact clinical and pathologic implications. Medical
or surgical management of Graves disease may reverse associated pathologic breast changes.
Keywords: Graves disease, thyroid hormone, estrogen, fat necrosis
Address all correspondence to:
Dr. Emad Kandil
Division of Endocrine and Oncological Surgery
Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine
1430 Tulane Ave. SL-22, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
Tel: (504) 988-7407
E-mail: ekandil@tulane.edu
