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A breast abscess is a pus-filled, painful lump that forms in the breast, often due to an untreated infection.

Breast abscesses are most common in lactating women but can affect anyone. Most of these abscesses are benign.

Here’s what you need to know about breast abscesses, including causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

What Can Cause Breast Abscesses?

The primary cause of a breast abscess is an infection.

This infection often starts in the milk ducts of lactating women, and bacteria from the skin or the baby’s mouth can cause it. Researchers estimate that breastfeeding causes 10% to 33% of breast infections.

For non-lactating women and men, infections can enter through cuts, cracked nipples, or nipple piercings. If these infections aren’t treated quickly, they can lead to the formation of an abscess.

It’s essential to see a doctor if you experience symptoms of a breast infection to prevent complications. Early treatment can help resolve the infection before it becomes more serious.

What Does the Start of a Breast Abscess Look Like?

Spotting the early signs of a breast abscess allows you to treat the condition and prevent complications quickly.

Here’s how you can recognize the initial symptoms.

The early signs of a breast abscess include:

• Fever and chills — signs that your body is fighting an infection.
• Nipple discharge or drainage from another part of the breast.
• Pain in the breast, ranging from mild to severe.
• Redness and swelling in the affected area.
• Warmth in the affected area, indicating infection.

If you notice these symptoms, see a doctor immediately to begin treatment and prevent the infection from worsening.

Breast Abscess Symptoms

If you think you may have a breast abscess, seek care right away.

Here are the common signs to look out for:

• Fever and chills — These are signs that your body is fighting an infection.
• Nipple discharge — Pus or other fluid may drain from the nipple or another part of the breast.
• Pain — Sharp or throbbing pain in the affected area.
• Redness and swelling — The abscess may cause the skin to appear red and swollen.
• Warmth — The area around the abscess may feel warm to the touch, indicating infection.

If you notice any of these symptoms, visit a health care provider. They can determine whether you have an infection and offer appropriate care and support.

How to Prevent Breast Abscesses

Preventing breast abscesses involves practicing good hygiene and taking proactive measures to maintain breast health.

To help prevent breast abscesses, try these tips:

• Avoid tight-fitting bras — Wear comfortable bras that do not compress the breast tissue.
• Maintain regular breastfeeding or pumping routines — Keeping the milk flowing can help prevent blockages and infections.
• Practice good hygiene — Keep your breasts clean and dry, especially if breastfeeding.
• Promptly treat any breast infections — If you develop mastitis, seek treatment quickly to prevent it from progressing to an abscess.

Breast Abscess Treatment Options

Treating a breast abscess typically involves a combination of medical interventions to relieve pain, reduce infection, and promote healing.

Here’s a breakdown of common treatment methods:

• Antibiotics — The first step in treating a breast abscess is usually a course of antibiotics to fight the infection. Your doctor will prescribe an appropriate antibiotic based on the type of bacteria causing the abscess.
• Continued breastfeeding or pumping — If you are breastfeeding, it’s important to continue nursing or pumping to keep milk flowing and prevent further blockages. Your doctor can provide guidance on how to do this safely without worsening the infection.
• Drainage — If the abscess is large or isn’t responding to antibiotics alone, the doctor may need to drain it. Surgeons usually perform this procedure under local anesthesia and may leave a small drain in place to help remove any remaining pus.
• Pain relief — Managing pain is an important part of treatment. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Warm compresses — Applying a warm, wet cloth to the affected area can help promote drainage and relieve discomfort. You can use warm compresses several times daily to support healing.

After the abscess treatment, you should provide follow-up care to ensure the infection has cleared and to monitor for any signs of recurrence. Your doctor may schedule follow-up appointments and recommend further imaging tests if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a breast abscess the same as a cyst?

No, a breast abscess is not the same as a cyst. A cyst is a fluid-filled sac usually benign and not caused by an infection. Cysts are often painless and can fluctuate in size.

On the other hand, an abscess is a pus collection due to an infection, which causes pain, redness, and swelling.

Do I have a breast abscess or mastitis?

Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast tissue, commonly triggered by a blocked milk duct or bacteria entering the breast. It most often occurs in breastfeeding women but can affect anyone.

When mastitis treatment takes place promptly using antibiotics, pain relievers, and frequent breastfeeding or pumping, it generally resolves without complications.

However, a breast abscess is a pus that forms in the breast due to an infection. It can develop as a complication of untreated mastitis.

A breast abscess is usually more severe than mastitis and may require drainage in addition to antibiotics.

Can a breast abscess turn into cancer?

No, a breast abscess does not turn into cancer.

However, it’s important to get it checked by a doctor to rule out other conditions, such as cancer or benign cysts.

A health care professional can perform a physical exam and may use imaging tests, like an ultrasound or mammogram, to ensure that the lump is an abscess and not something more serious.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you suspect you have a breast abscess, it’s crucial to seek medical attention. Your doctor can diagnose the condition through a physical exam and imaging tests. They may also perform a needle aspiration, taking a small fluid sample from the abscess for testing.

Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments of breast abscesses can help you take proactive steps to manage your health.

If you experience any symptoms of a breast abscess, visit a health care professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.