When lactational mastitis is accompanied by a discrete, palpable breast lump that is tense or fluctuant, the clinical picture points to breast abscess — a presentation that calls for a specific, targeted management approach.
Breast abscess is characterised by symptoms similar to mastitis, with the additional sign of a discrete tender lump, which may be tense or fluctuant. This distinction from uncomplicated mastitis determines the intervention required.
Management of breast abscess in this setting centres on a surgical intervention performed under general anaesthetic. The complete structured regimen — including the full clinical decision pathway — is available via the link below.