Question 1

what is a breast abscess?

Accepted Answer

Localized Infection: A breast abscess is a localized collection of pus in the breast tissue. Breast abscesses develop as a result of infection of the breast tissue which can occur due to several causes. Treatment involves incision and drainage of the breast abscess.

Question 2

can i pick a breast abscess myself?

Accepted Answer

Never: I would never recommend this. An easily treatable problem can be turned into a comes problem.

Question 3

what are the tests for breast abscess?

Accepted Answer

Aspiration: The best way to diagnose a breast abscess is by physical examination supplemented by ultrasound.  If a fluid-filled lump is present in the right setting for an abscess (redness, tenderness, swelling, etc), a needle can be inserted under local anesthesia with ultrasound guidance:  drawing pus out is diagnostic (and, combined with antibiotics, may be all that's needed for rx).

Question 4

what are the symptoms of breast abscess?

Accepted Answer

Red, painful lump: Breast abscesses usually cause a red, swollen, tender lump.  Associated symptoms may include fever, malaise, and lethargy.  While more common when breastfeeding, they can occur at any age.  The cornerstone of therapy includes antibiotics and drainage, which may be done via needle aspiration or surgical "i and d", depending on the severity of the infection.

Question 5

has anyone ever treated a breast abscess?

Accepted Answer

Yes: More common in lactating women, but principle of treatment is like any other abcess. You have to drain the pus by making a small incision into the abcess cavity, and let it heal from the inside out. Problem with a lactating breast is a risk of a milk fistula-where milk would leak from the incision rather than be expressed from the nipple.

Question 6

how to know that a breast abscess is recurring?

Accepted Answer

Lump: A breast, or any abscess, is a 'lump' ... self exam is the key.  Abscesses are areas of infection that the body attempt to contain in one area.  Abscesses are a lump, mass or some sort of space occupying mass that you can feel.  There may be pain, redness or a general feeling of illness or fever with some abscesses ... but ... it's a matter of size and degree.

Question 7

what symptoms typically go along with breast abscess?

Accepted Answer

Pain and swelling: A breast abscess will usually cause significant pain, fever, erythema, swelling, induration, and a mass in the affected breast.  Treatment is surgical drainage and antibiotics.

Question 8

will breast abscess stop me from going on my vacation?

Accepted Answer

You could be: It depend on the situation, if the case diagnose and in the process of treatment and you are responding i think so. Check with your doctor.

Question 9

breast abscess, what can i expect to see if i have one?

Accepted Answer

Extreme pain: Fever, mass, and redness of overlying skin.  If you have a developing infection, you need to take antibiotics.  If you have established abscess, you will probably need aspiration or even surgical drainage.  Consult a surgeon.

Question 10

might have a breast abscess -- what does one look like?

Accepted Answer

Pain & swelling: Painful, swlloen, hard, red breast lump. Could have a fever. Pain is usually prominent.

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Might have a breast abscess -- what does one look like?

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