Breast abscess

Breast abscess - A collection of pus in the mammary gland, usually in a woman who is lactating (producing milk). Breast abscesses develop if acute mastitis is not treated promptly. They occur most commonly during the first month after a woman’s first delivery.

The initial symptoms are of acute mastitis. The abscess develops in one area, which becomes very firm, red, and extremely painful.

The treatment usually includes antibiotic drugs and repeated aspiration of the pus with a needle and syringe. Rarely, surgical drainage may be needed.