Mastitis Flashcards
What is mastitis?
Mastitis is inflammation of the breast tissue, either acute or chronic
What is the most common cause of mastitis?
Bacterial infection, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus.
How is mastitis classified?
Based on lactation status:
Lactational mastitis
Non-lactational mastitis
Who is most likely to develop lactational mastitis?
Up to 1/3 of breastfeeding women, typically in the first 3 months postpartum or during weaning.
What are key risk factors for lactational mastitis?
Cracked nipples, milk stasis, poor feeding technique, and being a first-time mother.
What is a key risk factor for non-lactational mastitis?
Tobacco smoking, which damages subareolar ducts and predisposes to infection.
What underlying condition is associated with non-lactational mastitis?
Duct ectasia, leading to peri-ductal mastitis.
What are the typical symptoms of mastitis?
Breast tenderness, swelling or induration, and erythema.
What additional feature should be assessed in a patient with mastitis?
Check for a developing breast abscess.
What is the first-line management of mastitis?
Simple analgesics, warm compress, and continued milk drainage or breastfeeding.
When should antibiotics be considered in mastitis?
If symptoms do not improve after 12–24 hours of conservative management.
What is recommended if mastitis progresses to a breast abscess?
Needle aspiration or incision and drainage if required.
What can be considered for persistent or recurrent mastitis cases in lactating women?
Cessation of breastfeeding with dopamine agonists (e.g. Cabergoline).
What is a breast abscess?
A collection of pus within the breast, often lined with granulation tissue, typically developing from acute mastitis.
What are signs of a breast abscess?
A tender, fluctuant, erythematous mass, possibly with a punctum and systemic signs like fever and lethargy.
How is a suspected breast abscess confirmed?
By ultrasound scan.
What is the preferred treatment for a breast abscess?
Ultrasound-guided needle aspiration and antibiotics.
What is a possible complication of draining a non-lactational breast abscess?
Mammary duct fistula – an abnormal tract between the skin and a breast duct.
How is a mammary duct fistula managed?
With antibiotics and surgical fistulectomy.
