Breast abscess
Localized collection of pus in the dermis or subcutaneous tissue of the breast
- Often follows mastitis
- Signs and symptoms of mastitis and abscess overlap because both of these infections often occur over a spectrum
- Occurs in both lactating women (14%) and nonlactating women (86%)
- If diagnosis is unclear, ultrasonography-assisted fluid collection can help identify an abscess
- Generally requires both antibiotics and drainage with needle aspiration; severe cases may require surgical drainage
