Diabetic mastopathy is an uncommon fibrous breast condition that sometimes occurs in patients who have had diabetes for a long time. Hard, benign (non-cancerous) lumps may appear in one breast or both breasts. Diabetic mastopathy usually affects women with type 1 diabetes. It is also more common in women who have micro vascular (small blood vessel). The condition has also been observed in women with type 2 diabetes or other forms of diabetes and in women with other endocrine diseases, particularly thyroid diseases.

Diabetic mastopathy is characterized by hard, irregularly shaped, painless lumps that appear in one or both breasts. The lumps are easily moveable and are not affixed to the skin. Lumps may appear in one breast or both breasts.

There are several diagnostic techniques, including a biopsy, may be required to confirm the diagnosis of diabetic mastopathy. Surgery may be recommended to remove a portion of the lump or the entire lump. The lumps characteristic of diabetic mastopathy are benign (non-cancerous). However, they can appear similar in size, shape and texture to malignant (cancerous) breast lumps. The main task of a physician will be to determine whether the patient’s lump is benign or malignant. Patients should inform the physician of any history of diabetes. An annual breast exam performed by a physician can also help in detecting diabetic mastopathy. The physician may recommend a mammogram or ultrasound scan of the affected breast or breasts. It is especially important for all women with diabetes to perform monthly self-breast examinations in order to be familiar with breast texture and detection of diabetic mastopathy as well as cancer.