Mastitis most often occurs in breastfeeding women. Lactational mastitis (as it is known) is due to the spread of bacteria from the baby’s mouth or mother’s skin into the breast. The milk provides an excellent environment for bacterial spread and growth. Mastitis may develop into an abscess.
Symptoms of mastitis include redness of the breast, pain, fever and generally feeling unwell. Early antibiotic treatment is very important. Your surgeon will examine you to determine whether an abscess is developing. Abscesses are usually treated by aspiration with a small needle. This may need to be done a number of times. Occasionally admission to hospital for intravenous antibiotics is needed. It is important to continue breastfeeding your baby during this time. If this is difficult, expressing is an alternative. The antibiotics prescribed do not harm the baby nor does feeding from the affected breast.
Mastitis can also occur in non-breastfeeding women. This is usually in association with duct ectasia. It is more common in smokers. The dilation of ducts is often associated with surrounding inflammation, which can develop into an infection. This is treated with antibiotics. Abscesses may be treated by aspiration but more commonly require surgery.
The surgeons at Brisbane Breast and Endocrine Surgeons are able to perform ultrasound guided aspiration of abscesses during your consultation.