Breast Surgery

Mastitis and Breast Abscess

Mastitis is breast inflammation on a spectrum from lactational inflammation to bacterial infection; a breast abscess is a drainable collection that needs urgent ultrasound assessment and drainage, while persistent or non-lactational inflammation needs a clear malignancy safety-net.

Definition

Mastitis is inflammation of breast tissue, commonly during lactation and sometimes infective. A breast abscess is a localised collection of pus within the breast that usually requires imaging and drainage. Non-lactational mastitis includes periductal disease and other inflammatory or infectious causes.

First principles

Mastitis is not synonymous with bacterial infection

Lactational mastitis commonly begins with inflammation and oedema around milk ducts. Pain, swelling and impaired drainage can reinforce one another, but a red, painful breast does not by itself prove bacterial infection. Continue responsive breastfeeding when possible, avoid attempts to over-empty the breast, and use gentle supportive measures while monitoring the clinical course.

You’ve reached the end of the preview

The rest of this extended textbook page is part of full access. Create a free account to read the sample topics in full and try sample questions, then upgrade to unlock every high-yield and extended page, plus the complete question bank.

This page is exam revision material, not medical advice, and must not be used for patient care. Always check drug doses against the BNF and current guidance. Full disclaimer.