Breast Abscess
- Definition: A breast abscess is a localized collection of pus within breast tissue, often caused by a bacterial infection.
- Common Causes: Often associated with breastfeeding (lactational abscess), but can also occur in non-lactating individuals (non-lactational abscess).
- Risk Factors: Cracked or sore nipples, blocked milk ducts, previous breast infections, compromised immune system, tobacco use
- Symptoms: Redness, warmth, swelling, pain, tenderness, a palpable lump, fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms.
- Diagnosis: Physical examination, ultrasound or mammogram to confirm abscess presence and rule out other conditions.
- Treatment:
- Antibiotics: Prescribed for bacterial infections; may need drainage as well.
- Abscess Drainage (e.g., needle aspiration): May require a procedure to drain pus using a needle or incision.
- Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribed medications.
A 28-year-old breastfeeding mother presents to the clinic with a painful and swollen area in her left breast. She reports experiencing fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms. On examination, there is redness, warmth, tenderness, and a palpable mass in the upper outer quadrant of the left breast. The patient has been breastfeeding her infant and noticed that the symptoms began a few days ago. She has been attempting to manage the discomfort with warm compresses and pain relievers.
- Staph aureus is the MCC
- RF: female sex, women > 30 yo, lactation, hx of mastitis/breast abscess, tobacco use
- S/sx: breast pain, swelling, fever, chills
- PE: warmth, erythema, tender to palpation,
- Dx: breast u/s, diagnostic needle aspiration drainage; and mammogram
- Tx: incision and drainage + abx (e.g., dicloxacillin, cephalexin, clindamycin, bactrim)