An encapsulated accumulation of pus within breast tissue. Main mastitis complication.

demographics: 3% of women with mastitis will develop breast abscess

Aetiology: Commonly secondary to bacterial mastitis

Pathophysiology

• Mastitis causes increased keratin production which obstructs the ducts , impairing drainage to lactiferous sinus and nipple thus causing abscess formation.

Risk Factors

• Inadequately treated mastitis
• Abrupt weaning during an episode of mastitis
• History of mastitis
• Maternal age >30yrs
• Gestational age >41wks

Clinical Features

• Breast pain, erythema, warmth, oedema
• Purulent discharge from nipple
• Fluctuating discrete tender mass on palpation