Breast abscess is a collection of pus that develops into the breast, with different causes.
Risk factors
>30yo
Primi
Late delivery
Direct trauma to breast tissue, like mastitis
Although there was no correlation w/ smoking, this may be due to fewer smoking women choosing to breastfeed
Dx
The diagnosis can usually be made based on physical exam, by placing an ultrasound probe over the breast
If the doctor is unsure whether the mass is an abscess or tumor, a breast ultrasound may be performed, which can give a clear image of breast tissue, and distinguish between simple mastitis and abscess, or in diagnosing an abscess deep in the breast
Cultures can also be taken from material aspirated from an abscess, to determine the type of organism that is causing the infection. Cultures also help to determine the specific type of antibiotics that are useful in curing the disease
Tx
Abx were shown to be ineffective in prevention of lactation abscess, but is useful to Tx secondary infection
Epidemiology
During lactation, breast abscess develops rarely, in 0.45% of breastfeeding women
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