When lactational mastitis is complicated by a breast abscess — identified as a discrete, tender lump that is tense or fluctuant on examination — the clinical approach requires management of the abscess collection beyond standard mastitis care.
Breast abscess presents with symptoms similar to mastitis, with the additional sign of a discrete tender lump that may be tense or fluctuant. This finding changes the management pathway.
Where specialist breast clinics or ultrasound guidance are available, percutaneous outpatient aspiration under local anaesthetic — combined with antibiotic cover — is a central component of management. The complete regimen, including antibiotic selection and all further steps, is contained in the full protocol.
Breast abscess is characterised by symptoms similar to mastitis, with the additional sign of a discrete tender lump, which may be tense or fluctuant.
Aspiration with antibiotic cover is a safe first line approach where specialist breast clinics or ultrasound guidance are available.
This has been largely replaced by percutaneous (outpatient) aspiration under local anaesthetic where specialist breast clinics or radiology services are available.
View source ↗