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Background <p>Galactocele, also known as lactocele, is a retention cyst resulting from lactiferous duct occlusion that typically occurs during lactation. Although a galactocele can occur anywhere along the milk line extending from the axilla to the groin, it has a propensity to form in the retroareolar region of the breasts. While small galactoceles are common, giant ones greater than 10&#xa0;cm, especially in non-lactating women, are very rare and can mimic more ominous disease states on imaging.</p> Case presentation <p>We present a case of a 34-year-old woman who stopped breastfeeding 5 years ago, and presented with a massive, painless, slowly enlarging breast mass over 1 year measuring 15 × 12 × 10&#xa0;cm on ultrasound. Sonographic findings were initially suggestive of a complex cyst with a differential diagnosis of giant galactocele, abscess and cystic lymphangioma due to internal septations and a homogeneous low-level echo-complex demonstrating posterior acoustic enhancement. Ultrasound-guided aspiration was performed; however, due to the persistent massive size of the lesion and marked cosmetic deformity, the patient elected to undergo surgical excision.</p> Discussion <p>Giant galactocele in adult females is rare and diagnostically challenging. Detailed lactation history, meticulous physical examination and ultrasound-guided aspirates are essential to avoid misdiagnosis and invasive procedures when benign pathology can be confirmed non-invasively.</p> <p>Ultrasound-guided aspiration is both a diagnostic and therapeutic tool in most patients, but surgery was done in our case.</p> Conclusion <p>A very large galactocele in a non-lactating woman may mimic other breast lesions due to its size, firmness, and imaging characteristics. Ultrasound-guided aspiration and histopathological confirmation remain essential to prevent misdiagnoses and over-treatment.</p>

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Giant galactocele in an adult female: a rare presentation and surgical management

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年12月28日

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  • Getahun Jiru Bedada,
  • Dereje Gebisa Bedada,
  • Temesgen Regasa Gemeda,
  • Ayana Guto Bone,
  • Diriba Shiferaw Negese

摘要

Background

Galactocele, also known as lactocele, is a retention cyst resulting from lactiferous duct occlusion that typically occurs during lactation. Although a galactocele can occur anywhere along the milk line extending from the axilla to the groin, it has a propensity to form in the retroareolar region of the breasts. While small galactoceles are common, giant ones greater than 10 cm, especially in non-lactating women, are very rare and can mimic more ominous disease states on imaging.

Case presentation

We present a case of a 34-year-old woman who stopped breastfeeding 5 years ago, and presented with a massive, painless, slowly enlarging breast mass over 1 year measuring 15 × 12 × 10 cm on ultrasound. Sonographic findings were initially suggestive of a complex cyst with a differential diagnosis of giant galactocele, abscess and cystic lymphangioma due to internal septations and a homogeneous low-level echo-complex demonstrating posterior acoustic enhancement. Ultrasound-guided aspiration was performed; however, due to the persistent massive size of the lesion and marked cosmetic deformity, the patient elected to undergo surgical excision.

Discussion

Giant galactocele in adult females is rare and diagnostically challenging. Detailed lactation history, meticulous physical examination and ultrasound-guided aspirates are essential to avoid misdiagnosis and invasive procedures when benign pathology can be confirmed non-invasively.

Ultrasound-guided aspiration is both a diagnostic and therapeutic tool in most patients, but surgery was done in our case.

Conclusion

A very large galactocele in a non-lactating woman may mimic other breast lesions due to its size, firmness, and imaging characteristics. Ultrasound-guided aspiration and histopathological confirmation remain essential to prevent misdiagnoses and over-treatment.