Objective To explore the procedure options in the treatment for acute plasma cell mastitis with minimal compromise to breast appearance. Methods The clinical data of 19 cases diagnosed as acute plasma cell mastitis from 2007 to 2010 were analyzed retrospectively. All the patients were adopted the same protocol as the combination of traditional Chinese medicine，abscess drainage at the proper moment，and the excision of focal mass after the acute inflammatory response diminish. Results The duration from taking traditional Chinese medicine to lumpectomy in all the patients were from 63 d to 97d，and the average time was 78d. Seven cases were treated with antibiotic before lumpectomy and 12 cases were treated with abscess drainage，and all the patients were cured satisfactorily. All the patients were followed up for 24-48 months with an average 36 months， there was no recurrence，and the shape of the treated breast remained consistent with the contralateral side，with the natural shape and smooth skin，and an undetectable thready mammary areola incision left. Conclusion The combination of traditional Chinese and Western medicine could treat acute plasma cell mastitis efficiently and with an advantage of minimal compromise to breast appearance.
Interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) is one of the transcription factors in the interferon regulatory factor family. In the normal physiological process, IRF4 protein is a key factor regulating B cell development, such as early B cell development, pre-B cell switch recombination, mature B cell somatic hypermutation, and also a key factor regulating plasma cell differentiation. In addition, in recent years, it has been reported that Irf4 gene abnormalities or abnormal protein expression is closely involved in the occurrence and development of a variety of B cell or plasma cell tumors. This article reviews the physiological role of IRF4 in the differentiation and maturation of B cell or plasma cells, how IRF4 participates in the occurrence and development of B cell or plasma cell tumors, and its potential therapeutic target for B cell or plasma cell tumors.