An abscess or lump formed on the breast due to bacterial infection is called breast abscess. The tissues of the breast can develop painful lumps making it difficult to breastfeed the child. However it is a rare phenomenon occurring in 6 in every 100 breastfeeding mothers.
Initially mastitis is formed on the breast tissue which later develops into breast abscess. In any abscess there will be pus formation inside the tissue that is difficult to drain. Staphylococcus bacteria causes breast infection and the bacteria can penetrate into the skin through small cracks available in the nipple. This infection is called mastitis that builds up inside the fatty tissue which develops inflammation forming pus like abscess. The bacteria invade the milk ducts thereby causing swelling due to pus formation. Breast abscess can be treated with antibiotics and to avoid this type of abscess breastfeeding mother has to follow good hygiene.
Symptoms :
Enlargement of breast due to swelling, lumps or painful abscess formation on the breast, itching, tenderness of breast, and fever are some of the symptoms of breast abscess. The lump gets swollen and hot to touch hence can cause high fever or flu like symptoms. Pus is formed inside the abscess and sometimes there can be discharge from nipple. The lymph nodes on the armpit can get swollen and painful making it difficult to lift the hand.
Causes :
Breast abscess is caused by staphylococcus aureus bacterial infection. It enters the breast through minute cracks of the nipple and feeds on the milk ducts. A mother who is diabetic has increased risk of developing mastitis causing abscess or plugged ducts. Similarly mothers who have undergone surgery on the breast and breast implants have more chances for getting breast abscess. Smoking and intake of powerful corticosteroids can cause infection leading to breast abscess.
Risk Factors :