BREAST ABSCESS

INTRODUCTION
An abscess is an accumulation of pus inside the body caused by infections. An infection in the breast can
lead to a breast abscess, which is a common condition in lactating females . However, breast abscesses
can form in anyone. According to a 2018, abscesses unrelated to lactation typically form in people with
obesity and people who smoke.

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
To understand the pathophysiology of breast abscesses, you must understand the anatomy of the breast.
The breast contains breast lobules, each of which drains to a lactiferous duct, which in turn empties to
the surface of the nipple. There are lactiferous sinuses which are reservoirs for milk during lactation. The
lactiferous ducts undergo epidermalization where keratin production may cause the duct to become
obstructed, and in turn, can result in abscess formation.

SYMPTOM
Common symptoms of a breast abscess include:

 pain
 redness
 swelling
 warm skin
 nipple drainage
 discharge from another part of the breast

If you have an active infection, you may also have a fever and chills, along with fatigue. See a doctor if
you’re experiencing these symptoms.

You should also seek medical attention if you’re currently being treated with antibiotics for a breast
infection, but aren’t feeling better within 2 days.

CAUSES:
A breast abscess refers to a buildup of pus from an infection of your breast. An inflammation of breast
tissue (mastitis) may also lead to infections.

As the authors of the 2018, if a person does not receive treatment for mastitis, the infection can destroy
tissue, allowing a sac to form beneath the skin and fill with pus. To the person, it may feel like a lump.
This is a breast abscess.
Lactational breast abscesses typically occur due to an infection with Staphylococcus aureus and
Streptococcal bacteria. When lactation is not involved, a breast abscess commonly results from a mix of
S. aureus, Streptococcal, and anaerobic bacteria — bacteria that do not grow where oxygen is present, in
places such as the gut.

An infection in the breast can occur when:

 bacteria enter through cracks in the nipple

 a milk duct is clogged
 foreign material enters the area, as with a nipple piercing or breast implant.

DIAGNOSIS
Symptoms of a breast abscess and infection are similar. Only a doctor can determine whether you have
an abscess or infection.

To definitively diagnose a breast abscess, a doctor will also need to perform an imaging test called an
ultrasound. If an abscess is further suspected, your doctor may then order a fine needle aspiration to
collect a sample. This also helps rule out other possible causes, such as cancer or benign cysts.

TREATMENT:
Treatment involves the pus being drained from the abscess with either:

•a needle – this might need to be done a few times and you may have to go back to hospital each time

•a small cut in your skin.

You'll be given a local anesthetic before the pus is drained so you do not feel any pain. You can usually
go home the same day and may be given antibiotics to take at home.

The abscess should heal completely in a few days or weeks.

REFERENCES

 https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/163876#treatment
 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-abscess/#:~:text=A%20breast%20abscess%20is%20a,it
%20needs%20treatment%20in%20hospital.
 https://www.healthline.com/health/breast-abscess