Breast Abscess

Question 1

What is a breast abscess?

Answer 1

A collection of pus/exudate in a mammory duct

Question 2

Why does it happen? (2)

Answer 2

Usually follows on from Mastitis but can also be non-infective caused by a collection of milk

Question 3

What organism causes the infection?

Answer 3

Generally Staph Aureus from the skin

Question 4

Is it common?

Answer 4

10-33% of breast feeding women develop mastitis but it is uncommon for an abscess to form

Question 5

Risk Factors (6)

Answer 5

Problems with attachment, reduced number of feeds, pressure on breast, nipple fissures/sores, breast trauma, blocked milk ducts

Question 6

Symptoms (10)

Answer 6

Unilateral, painful, erythematous, hot, fever, rigors, muscle pain, lethargy, nausea, depression

Question 7

Signs (2)

Answer 7

Unilateral oedema, axillary lymphadenopathy

Question 8

Investigations (3)

Answer 8

Diagnosis usually clinical, Ultrasound of abscess, culture of exudate

Question 9

Treatment (5)

Answer 9

Urgent referral to secondary care for drainage if abscess is suspected, breast feeding to continue, heat packs/massage, analgesia, Flucloxacilin Antibiotics