Gigantomastia Case in a 15-Year-Old Girl

A 15-year-old girl's extreme case has recently garnered attention. After entering puberty, her breasts began to grow rapidly, eventually reaching a weight that exceeded a quarter of her total body weight. Suffering from back pain and difficulty walking due to this, she ultimately underwent a 7-hour breast reduction surgery.

A Tragic Growth and Psychological Distress

This girl, living in Morocco, started experiencing rapid breast growth at the age of 13. Two years later, her breasts weighed approximately 16.3kg, accounting for over a quarter of her total body weight of about 60.3kg. Standing at about 157cm, she suffered severe back pain and postural problems, making walking and daily activities extremely difficult. The accumulation of concerns about her appearance and psychological distress led to increasing social withdrawal from her friends.

Medical Diagnosis and Surgical Procedure

The girl's guardians took her to Mohamed VI University Hospital. After reviewing her medical history, the medical team found no specific hormonal abnormalities and diagnosed her with 'Juvenile Gigantomastia.' Subsequently, the medical team performed a 7-hour surgery, removing a total of 16.5kg of tissue from both breasts. Significant bleeding during the surgery necessitated a blood transfusion, but the girl reported that her back pain disappeared and her mobility improved within a week after the operation.

Post-Surgery Recovery and Reconstructive Surgery

After the surgery, some tissue necrosis occurred in parts of her nipples. To address this, reconstructive surgery was performed seven months later, during which the medical team transplanted skin harvested from her groin to her breasts. Eight months after the reconstructive surgery, the contour of her breasts had recovered to a very satisfactory state. The medical team explained that this case is one of the most significant reported instances of gigantomastia in adolescents.

Causes and Treatment of Gigantomastia

So, what exactly is Gigantomastia? According to the Cleveland Clinic, gigantomastia is a rare benign condition where breast tissue grows excessively, causing the breasts to become disproportionately large for the body. This can lead to functional problems such as neck, shoulder, and back pain, as well as psychological issues and social withdrawal.

• Juvenile type
• Pregnancy-related
• Drug-induced
• Idiopathic

Diagnosis is made through the speed of breast enlargement, symptoms, and medical history. Treatment is determined by considering the size and growth rate of the breasts, pain, and skin condition. In some cases, breast reduction surgery may be necessary, and long-term observation is required for cases related to puberty or pregnancy.

Cases like this play a crucial role in raising awareness about gigantomastia and ensuring that patients receive appropriate treatment. If you are experiencing similar symptoms, please do not hesitate to consult a medical professional.