Virginal breast hypertrophy – An uncommon breast disease

Introduction

Virginal breast hypertrophy VBH with the sobriquet “gigantomastia” is an uncommon condition with sporadic presentation usually in adolescence.

Case presentation

In this retrospective study, eight patients (three case summaries presented, while the clinicopathologic features of all the patients are presented in Table 1) were managed.

Discussion

The age range in this retrospective cohort study is 13–34 years and the series consists predominantly of teenagers, a third had bilateral disease, and the symptoms triad of mastalgia, cosmetic concerns, and psychosocial/esteem issues were present in all the patients. With a third consenting to surgical intervention.

We present what to our knowledge must be in the global literature, one of the few largest accruals of cases of gigantomastia, the VBH, seen over time in our surgical oncology practice.

Conclusion

VBH should be appraised along with other BBD to exclude malignancies and provide prompt and appropriate care whilst limiting complications. A multidisciplinary approach is particularly important and incorporating care for perceived low self-esteem cannot be over-emphasized.