Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis is a rare, benign inflammatory breast disease whose etiology and pathophysiology are not fully understood. The exact cause of this disease is not yet known, but it is thought that the immune system gives an abnormal reaction against the tissues in the breast. It is seen more frequently in young women who have given birth.
Clinically, idiopathic granulomatous mastitis manifests itself with symptoms such as pain, hardness, swelling, a mass in the armpit, redness and fistula-like openings in the breast skin. In rare cases, swellings under the skin of the arms and legs may also be seen.
While the diagnosis of this disease is supported by imaging methods such as breast ultrasound, mammography and contrast-enhanced breast MRI, a biopsy is required for the definitive diagnosis. Other breast diseases and infections should be taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis.
Standard treatment options include immunosuppressive drugs such as corticosteroids, methotrexate and corticosteroid combinations, or surgical interventions. However, the treatment process can be challenging and the disease can recur.
In recent years, alternative treatment methods such as hirudotherapy have attracted interest. Hirudotherapy is a treatment method that uses medical leeches. The saliva of leeches contains more than 100 biological active substances, such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic and blood-thinning agents. Some studies show that hirudotherapy may be effective in the treatment of idiopathic granulomatous mastitis.
HIRUDOTHERAPY entered my clinical practice 9 YEARS AGO for patients with idiopathic granulomatous mastitis. In light of the experience we have gained as a team over the years, we continue successfully by improving our treatment protocol.
Hirudotherapy applied at the moment symptoms appear significantly prevents the increase of inflammation. The choice of the breast area where leeches are placed, the harmony of these areas with each other, and the duration and frequency of the treatment vary depending on the inflammation status of the disease. When clinical regression occurs, residual foci that cannot be palpated on examination are marked under ultrasound guidance and the treatment is continued until they disappear completely.
The entire treatment process of each patient is determined according to the individual situation and under my supervision. Always following the guidance of experts in health matters is one of the most important steps for a healthy life. While trying to get treated in unlicensed places without Ministry of Health approval, you may harm your health.
Love yourself and be happy at every moment of life… because love is the best healer.
