Breast abscess Flashcards

1
Q

What is the definition of a breast abscess?

A

Localised collection of pus within the breast

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2
Q

What is the epidemiology of breast abscesses?

A

Breast abscesses develop in 3–11% of women with mastitis

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3
Q

What is the pathology of breast abscesses?

A

• Most commonly staphylococcus aureus
• Lactiferous duct lining undergoes epidermalisation and keratin production = plugging
(see image on notes)

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4
Q

What are the risk factors/aetiology of breast abscesses?

A
  • Mastitis – inflammation of the breast
  • Breastfeeding
  • Sore/cracked nipples
  • Nipple piercing
  • Milk statis
  • Periductal mastitis – subareolar ducts are damaged/infected
  • Duct ectasia – harmless, age related breast change
  • Diabetes (immunosuppression)
  • HIV (immunosuppression)
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Trauma
  • Corticosteriod treatment
  • Granulomatous lobular mastitis (GLM) – autoimmune reaction to substances secreted from mammary ducts
  • Poor socio-economical status
  • Poor hygiene
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5
Q

What are the signs/symptoms of breast abscesses?

A
  • Painful, swollen lump in the breast – redness, hot, swelling of overlying skin
  • Fever
  • Flu like symptoms
  • Malaise
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6
Q

What diseases present similarly to breast abscesses?

A
  • Breast cancer

* Fibrocytic disease

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7
Q

What investigations would be carried out for suspected breast abscesses?

A
  • Breast examination
  • US
  • Culture of fluid from abscess
  • Breast milk culture
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8
Q

What are the surgical treatments for breast abscesses?

A

• Drainage via ultrasound guided needle aspiration/surgical drainage

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9
Q

What are the pharmacological treatments for breast abscesses?

A
  • Antibiotics

* Analgesia

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10
Q

What are the non pharmacological treatments for breast abscesses?

A
  • Continue breast feeding if possible
  • Improve milk removal via breast feeding technique
  • Do not wear a bra at night
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