Inflammatory Disease Flashcards
What is mastitis?
Inflammation of breast tissue
Can be acute or chronic
What are the causes of mastitis?
Mostly infection
- Staphylococcus Aureus
Occasionally granulomatous
What are the types of mastitis?
Lactational
- presents during first 3 months of breastfeeding or during weaning
- associated with cracked nipples + milk stasis
- more common
- seen in 1/3 of breast feeding women
Non-lactational
- occurs in women with other conditions
- smoking is a risk factor
Clinical features of mastitis
Redness of breasts
Tenderness
Swelling
Ensure there is no abscess forming
Management of mastitis
Antibiotic therapy
- Flucloxacillin 10-14 days
- erythromycin if allergic
Analgesia
Continue milk drainage if lactational
What is a breast abscess?
Collection of pus in the breast lined with granulation tissue
Most commonly develops from acute mastitis
Complication = fistula formation
Clinical features of a breast abscess
Tender, fluid, red mass
- puncutum may be present
Fever
Lethargy
Invesitagation for a suspected breast abscess
Ultrasound
Management of a breast abscess
Empirical antibiotics
Drainage
What are breast cysts?
Epithelial lined fluid filled cavities
Formed when lobules become distended
Common in perimenopausal age group
Make up 15% of palpable breast masses
Clinical features of breast cysts
Singular or multiple breast lumps
Cysts = distinct smooth masses
Investigations for suspected breast cysts
Mammography
- halo shape
Ultrasounds
Management of breast cysts
Most self resolve
Can be aspirated
What is duct ectasia?
Dilation and shortening of major lactiferous ducts
Common presentation in peri-menopausal women
Clinical features of duct ectasia
Coloured nipple discharge
Nipple retraction
