A breast abscess is a painful collection of pus that forms within the breast tissue due to an infection. While it primarily affects breastfeeding women, it’s crucial for all women to be aware of this condition. Although generally not life-threatening, a breast abscess requires timely medical diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications and alleviate discomfort.
Identifying Breast Abscess Symptoms for Early Diagnosis
Recognizing the symptoms of a breast abscess is the first step towards prompt diagnosis and effective treatment. Common signs to watch out for include:
- A noticeable lump or swelling in the breast: This is often the most prominent symptom, indicating a localized area of infection.
- Breast pain, warmth, and redness: The affected area may become increasingly painful to the touch and feel warmer than the surrounding breast tissue. Redness of the skin may also be observed, although this can be less apparent on darker skin tones.
- Fever: An elevated body temperature is a systemic sign of infection and can accompany a breast abscess.
- General malaise: Feeling unwell, fatigued, or experiencing flu-like symptoms can also indicate the presence of an infection.
It’s important to note that women who have recently experienced a breast infection (mastitis) or have a history of breast abscesses are at a higher risk of developing this condition.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Advice for Breast Abscess Diagnosis
If you experience any of the above symptoms, especially a combination of breast pain, warmth, redness, and a lump, it’s essential to seek medical advice promptly. You should schedule an urgent appointment with your General Practitioner (GP) or contact NHS 111 for guidance if you notice:
- Persistent pain, warmth, or redness in your breast.
- A new lump or swelling in your breast.
Prompt medical evaluation is crucial for accurate Breast Abscess Diagnosis and to rule out other potential breast conditions.
The Diagnostic Process for Breast Abscess
If your GP suspects a breast abscess based on your symptoms and a physical examination, they will typically refer you to a hospital for further investigation. The primary diagnostic tool used to confirm a breast abscess is an ultrasound scan of the breast. This imaging technique allows healthcare professionals to visualize the breast tissue and identify fluid-filled collections indicative of an abscess.
In some cases, if the GP suspects a breast infection (mastitis) without a confirmed abscess, they may initially prescribe antibiotics.
It’s crucial to follow up with your GP if your symptoms do not begin to improve within 48 hours of starting antibiotics. This is important to ensure timely and effective management of a potential breast abscess.
Treatment Options for Breast Abscess
Treatment for a breast abscess typically requires a hospital visit to drain the pus from the infected cavity. Drainage procedures are usually performed using one of two methods:
- Needle aspiration: This involves using a needle to draw out the pus. This method may need to be repeated multiple times to ensure complete drainage.
- Incision and drainage: A small surgical cut is made in the skin to allow the pus to drain.
Both procedures are typically performed under local anaesthesia to minimize discomfort. Patients can usually return home on the same day and may be prescribed oral antibiotics to take at home to clear any remaining infection and prevent recurrence. A breast abscess typically heals within a few days to weeks following drainage and antibiotic treatment.
Breastfeeding Considerations During Abscess Treatment
Continuing to breastfeed from both breasts is generally encouraged during breast abscess treatment, if possible. Breastfeeding is safe for the baby and can actually aid in the healing process of the breast. If breastfeeding is too painful on the affected side, expressing milk using your hand or a breast pump is a helpful alternative to maintain milk supply and provide nourishment for your baby.
Understanding the Causes of Breast Abscesses
Breast abscesses often develop as a complication of an untreated breast infection, known as mastitis. Mastitis is more common in breastfeeding mothers; however, it can occur in non-breastfeeding women as well, although less frequently. Seeking prompt treatment for mastitis is crucial to reduce the risk of abscess formation. Early intervention can prevent the progression of infection and minimize the likelihood of developing a breast abscess.
Page last reviewed: 14 June 2023
Next review due: 14 June 2026
