Breast Abscess

What is breast abscess?

A breast abscess is a painful infection brought on by bacteria. The type of bacteria that most frequently produces breast infection is Staphylococcus aureus. Bacteria can enter through a crack in the skin of the breast or on the nipple. The resulting infection, called mastitis, invades the fatty tissue of the breast, leading to swelling and pressure on the milk ducts. An abscess is a hollow space in the breast that becomes filled with pus from the infected milk ducts. An abscess can develop in the presence of severe mastitis.

Breast infection can affect all women but occurs most often in women who are breastfeeding. A small percentage, 2% to 3%, of breastfeeding (lactating) women typically experience mastitis. In lactating women, an abscess can be successfully treated with antibiotics, but usually also requires surgical drainage. Your health care provider may tell you to temporarily stop breastfeeding if you have an abscess.

In women who are not breastfeeding, an abscess is generally considered a benign lesion of the breast. Mastitis without abscess can be treated with antibiotics.

Seek prompt medical care if any portion of the breast becomes reddened, tender, swollen or hot and also if the lymph nodes in the armpit become tender or swollen. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you are breastfeeding and develop the following symptoms suggestive of a widespread infection:

• Confusion or loss of consciousness for even a brief moment
• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
• Dramatic decrease in urine output
• Fainting or change in level of consciousness or lethargy
• High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)