Benign Conditions: Mastitis
Mastitis is an infection of the breast. There are three types: lactational mastitis, chronic subareolar abscess and nonlactational mastitis.
Lactational mastitis, the most common type of mastitis, occurs when a woman is breastfeeding. When a milk duct is blocked by thick milk that doesn’t flow, bacteria is trapped and an infection may develop. Some easy initial ways to relieve the uncomfortable symptoms are massage, warm soaks, heat, and ice packs. If they don’t work, antibiotics usually do. In the rare case where an abscess, or collection of pus, forms, a needle is used to drain the abscess. In even rarer cases where a large abscess forms, surgery to drain the infection may be recommended.
Chronic subareolar abscess is the second most common breast infection, although it seldom occurs. The cause of this infection is unclear, but milk ducts or tiny glands on the nipple become infected due to blockage. If the infection is caught before an abscess forms, antibiotics may help. If not, surgery may be recommended. This type of infection tends to recur, but does not increase a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer.
Nonlactational mastitis may occur under special circumstances in women who aren’t breastfeeding. These include women who have had radiation following a lumpectomy or women whose immune systems are naturally weak or compromised due to such conditions as loss of lymph nodes. Skin boils or staph infections that can develop on other parts of the body as well as on the breast can also lead to nonlactational mastitis.
If you notice any change in your breasts, or suspect you may have an infection, it’s important to be checked by your physician.
SOURCE:
Love, S. M. (with Lindsey, K.). (2005). Dr. Susan Love’s breast book (3rd ed.). Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley.
