Early-onset breast disease: case of a Grave condition with a favorable prognosis

Background: The relationship between thyroid and breast diseases has been well documented, but the clinical impact of Graves' disease on breast tissue is not clear. Patient Findings: Twenty-seven year-old African American female patient who presented with multiple bilateral breast masses and skin thickening and ulcerations. Biopsy of the breast masses demonstrated fat necrosis. During her initial evaluation, she was found to be hyperthyroid and was ultimately diagnosed with Graves' disease. Her abnormal breast changes resolved within several months of her medical treatment for Graves' disease. Summary: Graves' disease may present with acute-onset breast changes without personal history of trauma or family history of breast abnormalities. Conclusions: Interactions between thyroid and estrogen hormones should be studied further to determine their exact clinical and pathologic implications. Medical or surgical management of Graves' disease may reverse associated pathologic breast changes.