Breast Abscess

A painful, swollen area in your breast can be uncomfortable and concerning, especially when symptoms appear suddenly or continue to worsen. A breast abscess is a pocket of infection that can cause pain, redness, warmth, and swelling, but prompt treatment can help relieve symptoms and clear the infection. At Green Mountain Breast Care Center in Stowe, Vermont, breast surgeon Sarah Waterman, MD, evaluates and treats breast abscesses with personalized care. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today.

What is a breast abscess?

A breast abscess is a collection of pus that develops within the breast tissue, usually because of a bacterial infection. Abscesses can occur in anyone, although they’re more common during breastfeeding when bacteria can enter through a cracked or irritated nipple.

Breast abscesses can also develop in people who aren’t breastfeeding. In these cases, Dr. Waterman can evaluate the affected area and determine what may be contributing to the infection.

What are the symptoms of a breast abscess?

A breast abscess often causes a tender or painful lump that may develop relatively quickly. Other signs and symptoms can include:

• Breast swelling
• Redness or warmth
• Pain or tenderness
• A firm or swollen lump
• Drainage from the nipple or affected area
• Fever or chills
• Feeling generally unwell

Some of these symptoms can occur with other breast conditions, so it’s important to have new or worsening breast changes evaluated rather than trying to determine the cause on your own.

How is a breast abscess diagnosed?

Dr. Waterman begins by discussing your symptoms and examining your breast. Breast ultrasound may be used to look beneath the skin and determine whether there’s a pocket of fluid consistent with an abscess.

In certain circumstances, she may collect a sample of fluid for laboratory testing. This can help identify the bacteria causing the infection and determine which antibiotic may be most effective.

If an abnormal area doesn’t appear typical for an abscess or symptoms persist despite treatment, Dr. Waterman may recommend additional testing to rule out other breast conditions.

How is a breast abscess treated?

Treatment depends on the abscess’s size, location, and severity. Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the underlying infection. Because an abscess contains a collection of infected fluid, it may also need to be drained.

Depending on your needs, drainage may be performed using a needle or through a small incision. Dr. Waterman will explain the procedure and provide instructions for caring for the area as it heals.

Follow-up is important to make sure the infection resolves completely. If you’re breastfeeding, Dr. Waterman can also discuss how treatment may affect nursing and what steps you can take during recovery.

If you have a painful breast lump, redness, swelling, or other signs of a possible breast abscess, call Green Mountain Breast Care Center or schedule an appointment online today.