Breast Abscess Flashcards
1
Q
What is a breast abscess
A
- Painful collection of pus in breast
- Develop just under skin
2
Q
Who is affected by it
A
- Women
- 18-50 years
3
Q
What causes it
A
- Bacterial infection
- Usually STAPH AUREUS
4
Q
What is the pathophysiology of abscess
A
- Starts as mastitis –> bacteria enters during breast feeding (via cracked nipple)
- Milk ducts become blocked –> overgrowth of bacteria
5
Q
What are some risk factors
A
- Mastitis (affects 1 in 10 breast feeding women) –> 3% develop abscess
6
Q
What are the symptoms
A
- Painful
- Swollen lump + surround skin
- Red
- Hot to touch
- Confined to 1 area/segment of breast –> can spread
7
Q
What investigations do you perform
A
- USS
- Clinical exam
- Mamography - test breast if cancer
8
Q
How do you treat it
A
- Drainage –> either needle + syringe or small incision
- Dicloxacillin + cephaloxin
