breast Abscess Flashcards
1
Q
Who is affected by breast abscesses?
A
women aged 18-50
2
Q
What other breast condition are abscesses linked to?
A
Mastitis
3
Q
What causes mastitis?
A
Mastitis is infection ofte breast tissue that usually occurs after milk ducts become blocked.
4
Q
What are the signs of a breast abscess?
A
- painful
- red
- hot
- swollen lumps
- fever
5
Q
what increases the risk of breast abscesses?
A
- stopping breast feeding suddenly in mastitis
- obesity
- smoking
- female
- age 15 to 45
- infants less than 2 months of age
- lactation (during weaning)
- poor breastfeeding technique
- milk stasis
- previous mastitis
- shaving or plucking areolar hair
- staph aureus carrier
- diabetes mellitus
6
Q
what invx are done for a breast abscess?
A
- temperaure (mastitis may occur with pyrexia of 38 degrees plus)
- examine for distant skin infections
- examine for signs of illness.
- sometimes ultrasound needed to help diagnose underlying abscess
- biopsy may be needed if recurrent or non-responsive to treatment
7
Q
How are breast abscesses managed?
A
- drainage using needle and syringe or incision
