Lupus
mastitis is a form of lupus profundus that is seen in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. It usually presents as a swelling (or swellings) in the breasts, with or without pain. The condition is recurrent and progresses along with the underlying disease, with fat necrosis, calcification, fibrosis, scarring, and breast atrophy. Lupus
mastitis is often confused with
malignancy and
lymphoma and, in our part of the world, with tuberculosis. Confusion is especially likely when it occurs in an unusual clinical setting. In this article, we present a case that presented with unique radiological, pathological, and clinical features. Awareness of the various manifestations of
lupus mastitis is essential if unnecessary interventions such as biopsies and surgeries, and their consequences, are to be avoided. Lupus
mastitis is an uncommon manifestation of
systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) that affects the subcutaneous fat in the breast, much like lupus panniculitis, but additionally involves the mammary gland. We report on two women for whom
lupus mastitis was the initial manifestation of SLE
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