Breast Abscess

OVERVIEW

A breast abscess is a fairly self descriptive condition.

WHAT MAKES US SUSPECT IT?

Risk Factors:

Mastitis, incomplete emptying of breasts (incomplete latch, alternating breast/bottle feeds)

Initial Presentation:

• Palpable breast mass
• Fever

Physical Exam;

Vital signs may show a fever

Breast exam can be remarkable for:

• Erythema
• Fluctuant palpable mass

CLINICAL WORKUP

Diagnosis is often made with history and physical alone

Ultrasound may be needed to visualize an abscess if the diagnosis is uncertain.

HOW DO WE TREAT IT?

Needle aspiration with ultrasound guidance to drain the abscess

Antibiotics such as dicloxacillin and cephalexin

ARCHIVE OF STANDARDIZED EXAM QUESTION

This archive complies questions that relate to this topic.

Page Updated: 10.15.2016