To report a case of bilateral acute mastitis in a postpartum woman that was ultimately diagnosed as metastatic malignant melanoma, highlighting diagnostic challenges.
Approach:
Case Presentation: A 36-year-old postpartum woman presented with bilateral breast swelling and erythema, initially misdiagnosed as severe lactational mastitis.
Diagnostic Evaluation: Comprehensive evaluation, including imaging and biopsy, revealed diffusely metastatic malignant melanoma originating from a previously excised benign nevus.
Key Findings:
Bilateral breast metastasis from malignant melanoma is exceptionally rare in postpartum women.
Initial presentation can mimic severe lactational mastitis, leading to misdiagnosis.
The patient exhibited rapid disease progression and poor response to treatment.
Interpretation:
This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of identifying metastatic disease in atypical breast presentations.
Limitations:
The rarity of bilateral breast metastasis limits generalizability.
Normal postpartum physiological changes can complicate the diagnosis of metastatic melanoma.
Conclusion:
This case illustrates the diagnostic challenges of metastatic melanoma presenting as lactational mastitis and the importance of thorough history-taking and examination.
