Management of Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis: Effectiveness of a Steroid-Free Regimen Using Tinospora cordifolia—A Single-Institution Experience

Abstract

Introduction: Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a benign, chronic inflammatory disease with no effective treatment and high relapse rate. The pathophysiology is poorly understood. Tinosporin, an immunomodulator obtained from Tinospora cordifolia, is known to be useful in treating immune-mediated diseases. We report our experience of using Tinosporin for IGM and the effectiveness of this “steroid-free” regimen.

Methods: We analysed the clinicopathological characteristics of patients diagnosed with IGM on histopathology during January 2018 and December 2022. Tinosporin tablet (500 mg Guduchi stem extract) was prescribed for 3–6 months; data were collected from electronic medical records and analysed in SPSS v-29.

Results: Of 315 patients, 132 had complete clinical records. Median age was 39 years (25–77), and 107 (81.7%) were premenopausal. Seventy-eight (59.09%) had clinical suspicion of malignancy. On imaging, 84 (63.64%) were BIRADS 4/5 lesions. Empirical broad-spectrum antibiotics were prescribed to 101 patients. Tinosporin tablets were prescribed to 91 patients. Symptomatic response was seen in 72 (79.12%). Five patients did not achieve response, while 14 patients (15.38%) were lost to follow-up. At a median follow-up of 36 months (14–62 months), only 2 patients on Tinosporin had recurrence. None of the patients needed surgical intervention other than diagnostic biopsy or control of infection, and none received steroids.

Conclusion: IGM is a benign, often self-limiting disorder. However, it mimics malignancy in 60% cases, and histology clinches the diagnosis. We report the efficacy of steroid-free management of IGM with immunomodulatory herbal origin phytopharmaceutical drug Tinosporin. It is safe, inexpensive and effective. Large volume excisions or mastectomies can be reserved for severe and refractory cases.