Infectious mastitis may lead to an accumulation of pus in an area of the breast, leading to the development of a lactational breast abscess.

Causes

The most common causative agent is Staphylococcus aureus, which enters via a crack in the nipple skin or through a milk duct.

Clinical Features

• Fever or rigors
• Malaise
• Pain and erythema over an area of the breast
• There may be a fluctuant mass present, but this is not always palpable.
• History of recent or current mastitis

Management

• Incision and drainage or needle aspiration (with or without diagnostic ultrasound)
• Oral or intravenous antibiotics according to local protocol