What is a breast abscess?

A breast abscess is a painful collection of pus that forms in your breast tissue, usually caused by a bacterial infection. It often happens in women who are breastfeeding (a condition called lactational mastitis), but it can also occur in non-breastfeeding women. Causes can include blocked milk ducts, injuries, or even nipple piercings. If left untreated, a breast abscess can lead to more serious problems, so early treatment is important.

Symptoms of a breast abscess

If you have a breast abscess, you might notice the following symptoms:

• Pain and tenderness: The affected area of your breast may feel sore, swollen, and tender to touch.
• Swelling and a lump: You might feel a hard, painful lump in your breast.
• Warmth and redness: The skin over the abscess may feel warm and look red or inflamed.
• Fever: You could develop a fever as your body fights the infection.
• Nipple discharge: Sometimes, pus or fluid might come out of your nipple.

If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible to get the right treatment and prevent complications.

What causes a breast abscess?

Breast abscesses are usually caused by a bacterial infection, often involving Staphylococcus aureus. Common causes include:

• Lactational mastitis: If you’re breastfeeding, blocked milk ducts can lead to an infection that might develop into an abscess.
• Nipple piercings or injuries: Bacteria can enter the breast through piercings, cuts, or injuries, causing an infection.
• Blocked milk ducts: Even if you’re not breastfeeding, blocked ducts can lead to abscess formation.
• Smoking: Smoking can increase your risk by weakening your immune system and slowing tissue healing.

How is a breast abscess treated?

The best way to treat a breast abscess is through a procedure called incision and drainage. This minor surgical procedure removes the pus, reduces pressure, and relieves pain. Here’s what happens:

• Anaesthesia: The area around the abscess will be numbed with local anaesthetic to make the procedure as comfortable as possible.
• Incision: Your doctor will make a small cut over the abscess to drain the pus. Ultrasound may be used to guide the incision for the best results.
• Drainage: The pus is drained out, and in some cases, a small tube may be left in place for a few days to allow any remaining fluid to drain.
• Cleaning and dressing: The area will be cleaned and covered with a sterile dressing. Your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent further infection.

This procedure is usually quick, and you can go home the same day.

What happens after incision and drainage?

Most women recover quickly after an incision and drainage procedure. Here’s how to care for yourself during recovery:

• Pain management: It’s normal to feel some mild pain or tenderness after the procedure. Over-the-counter painkillers, like paracetamol or ibuprofen, can help.
• Wound care: Keep the area clean and dry, and follow your doctor’s instructions for changing the dressing.
• Drain care: If a drainage tube was placed, your doctor will explain how to care for it and when it will be removed (usually within a few days).
• Follow-up appointment: You’ll need a follow-up visit to make sure the abscess is healing properly and to remove any drainage tubes if necessary.

Are the any risks?

Incision and drainage are generally very safe, but as with any procedure, there are some risks to be aware of:

• Infection: There’s a small chance of infection at the incision site, but this is rare with proper care.
• Recurrence: Sometimes, an abscess can come back, especially if underlying issues like blocked ducts aren’t addressed.
• Scarring: You may have a small scar at the site of the incision, but this usually fades over time.

Your surgeon will discuss these risks with you and explain how to minimise them.se risks with you before the procedure and provide guidance on how to minimise complications.

Why choose Birmingham Breast Clinic?

At Birmingham Breast Clinic, you’ll receive expert care for breast abscesses and other breast-related conditions. When you choose our clinic, you benefit from:

• Experienced surgeons: Our highly skilled team has extensive experience in treating breast abscesses and a wide range of other breast conditions.
• Personalised care: Your treatment plan will be tailored to your individual needs, ensuring it suits your medical history and preferences.
• Comprehensive support: From your initial diagnosis to treatment and recovery, we’re here to guide and support you every step of the way with compassionate care.

Your health and well-being are our top priorities, and we’re committed to providing the best possible care to help you feel better.

Contact us

If you are experiencing symptoms of a breast abscess or have any concerns about your breast health, contact Birmingham Breast Clinic today to schedule a consultation.