"Gestational gigantomastia": a review article and case presentation of a new surgical management option

Surg Innov. 2011 Mar;18(1):94-101. doi: 10.1177/1553350610391106. Epub 2010 Dec 27.

Abstract

Background: Gestational gigantomastia is a nightmare to pregnant women. The currently available surgical intervention is either reduction mammoplasty or simple mastectomy. Reduction mammoplasty carries high risk of recurrence. Simple mastectomy is a mutilating option for a benign condition.

Methods: A thorough literature research was performed for all reported gestational gigantomastia cases. In addition, this study presents a case that was diagnosed and treated at the authors' center.

Results: The patients' age mean age was 26.8 years. Surgical intervention is the only currently available curative option. The authors were able to introduce an alternative surgical technique: bilateral subcutaneous mastectomy (BSCM) with latissimus dorsi muscle flaps (LDF) and free nipple areola complex grafting (FNAG).

Conclusion: Despite being a benign condition, gestational gigantomastia could turn to be a catastrophe. BSCM with LDF and FNAG represents an excellent alternative breast saving surgical option. It offers the advantage of restoring normal breast shape with no fear of future recurrences.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Breast / abnormalities
  • Breast / pathology
  • Breast / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypertrophy / etiology
  • Hypertrophy / pathology
  • Hypertrophy / surgery*
  • Mammaplasty / methods*
  • Mastectomy, Subcutaneous / methods*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / etiology
  • Pregnancy Complications / pathology
  • Pregnancy Complications / surgery*
  • Young Adult

Supplementary concepts

  • Gigantomastia