Severe gestational gigantomastia: management challenges

Keywords: severe gestational gigantomastia, disproportionate enlargement, breast, pregnancy, mastectomy

Abstract

Gestational gigantomastia is rare and characterised by rapid and disproportionate enlargement of the breast during pregnancy. It often requires surgical removal of more than 1500 g of breast tissue. Of the 50 case reports published worldwide, not one was in South African literature. This unusual case report is of a female presenting with gigantomastia at five weeks gestational age. The patient was multiparous and decided to terminate the pregnancy due to the physical and emotional effects of the large, pendulous breasts. Management included breast reduction and free nipple grafting in a staged approach. The complications are briefly outlined. Despite rare presentation, patient satisfaction was achieved.

Author Biographies

A Rooi, University of the Witwatersrand

Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstruction Surgery, University of the Witwatersrand and Department of Surgery, Helen Joseph Hospital, South Africa

A R Botha, University of the Witwatersrand

Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstruction Surgery, University of the Witwatersrand and Department of Surgery, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, South Africa

E Ndobe, University of the Witwatersrand

Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstruction Surgery, University of the Witwatersrand and Department of Surgery, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, South Africa

M Nel, University of the Witwatersrand

Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstruction Surgery, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa

Published
2021-12-08
How to Cite
Rooi, A., Botha, A., Ndobe, E., & Nel, M. (2021). Severe gestational gigantomastia: management challenges. South African Journal of Surgery, 59(4), 195. Retrieved from http://sajs.redbricklibrary.com/index.php/sajs/article/view/3547
Issue
Vol 59 No 4 (2021)
Section
Case Reports

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