FreeMD® Breast Abscess: Definition

Breast Abscess

Definition

Breast Abscess Definition

Common names:

Abscess Breast
Breast Abscess

A person with a breast abscess has a walled-off cavity under the surface of the skin that is filled with pus. The pus that consists of dead cells, bacteria, and white blood cells. Breast abscesses form swollen, tender lumps in the breast.

Continue to Breast Abscess Risk Factors

View more Breast problems and disease topics

Related Topics:

Breast lump
Breast pain
Mastitis
Skin abscess
More...

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Last Updated: Aug 12, 2008 References

Authors: Stephen J. Schueler, MD; John H. Beckett, MD; D. Scott Gettings, MD

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Breast Abscess References:

Khoda J, Lantsberg L, Yegev Y, and Sebbag G: Management of periareolar abscess and mamillary fistula. Surg Gynecol Obstet 1992 Oct; 175(4): 306-8.
Meguid MM, Oler A, Numann PJ, Khan S: Pathogenesis-based treatment of recurring subareolar breast abscesses. Surgery 1995 Oct; 118(4): 775-82.
Norlock FE. Benign breast pain in women: a practical approach to evaluation and treatment. J Am Med Womens Assoc. 2002 Spring;57(2):85-90.
O'Hara RJ, Dexter SP, Fox JN: Conservative management of infective mastitis and breast abscesses after ultrasonographic assessment. Br J Surg 1996 Oct; 83(10): 1413-4.
Versluijs-Ossewaarde FN, Roumen RM, Goris RJ. Subareolar breast abscesses: characteristics and results of surgical treatment. Breast J. 2005 May-Jun;11(3):179-82.