Definition breast abscess
A breast abscess is usually the full picture of an inflammation, which is also called mastitis/breast inflammation. It is initially an acute inflammation of the mammary gland. The causative agent of the inflammation is usually Staphylococcus aureus, which is first transmitted in the hospital by the nursing staff or from the mother to the infant.
The transmission route back to the mother occurs during breastfeeding. After penetration of the pathogen into the breast, there is usually a reddish circumscribed area, usually in the upper outer quadrant. The entire glandular body is rarely affected.
In the case of inflammation of the mammary gland, the typical symptoms of inflammation can be seen, consisting of redness, overheating, swelling and pain. Often the lymph nodes in the armpit are swollen and the patient’s body temperature is above 38 degrees Celsius. In the early stages this inflammation is also called phlegmon. There is an urgent need for action, as there is a risk of encapsulation, which is then called a breast abscess.
Symptoms of a breast abscess
- Pain
- Redness
- Overheating Überwa
- Feeling of tension
- Swelling of lymph nodes
In many cases a breast abscess develops on the basis of simple inflammatory processes in the area of the breast glands. For this reason the symptoms of mastitis and breast abscess are very similar. In most cases, affected women notice a painful lump in the breast region quite early.
Typical symptoms of breast abscesses are redness that either occurs locally or even covers the entire breast surface. This symptom, however, occurs in most cases as a skin abnormality the size of a coin or the palm of the hand. This redness is one of the first symptoms that indicate the presence of a breast abscess.
For this reason, a specialist in gynaecology should be consulted as soon as possible if a lump is noticeable and redness is visible. In addition, there is a noticeable overheating in the area of the affected breast. Many women who suffer from a breast abscess even report a kind of heat that spreads over the abscess cavity.
Since a breast abscess is the inflammation of a cavity filled with pus, the affected breast can increase in size significantly. Furthermore, a pronounced feeling of tension is one of the most common symptoms described in connection with a breast abscess. Many of the affected patients also suffer from pain, some of them severe.
The pain symptoms that occur in the course of a breast abscess can either be limited to the glandular tissue or even radiate into the armpit. In many cases, the inflammatory processes within the breast region mean that the affected patient is no longer able to lift the arm adequately. The attempt alone to lift the arm of the affected half of the body into a 90 degree position is described by the majority of women as extremely painful.
Furthermore, the fact that active warming aggravates the pain symptoms, whereas the application of a cooling pad is perceived as relief, is considered a typical symptom of a breast abscess. Pronounced disease progression and/or very large breast abscesses are also associated with general symptoms. Many of the affected patients show an increased body temperature (fever), fatigue and malaise.
In addition, the lymph nodes in the area of the breast and ribcage can swell significantly. Especially the lymph nodes in the armpits (axilliary lymph nodes) are often particularly sensitive to pressure in the presence of a breast abscess. In addition to these general symptoms of a breast abscess, there are some warning signs that require immediate medical attention.
These particular symptoms include:
- Clouding or loss of consciousness
- Shortness of breath or rapid acceleration of breathing
- Sharp decrease in urine excretion
- High fever
In the context of a breast abscess, various types of pain of varying severity can occur. Due to the accumulation of pus and thus swelling of the breast, slight to very strong tension pains can occur. In addition, certain messenger substances are released during the inflammatory process.
These serve for communication between the cells. They can activate the pain receptors. Finally, the brain is notified of the sensory perception of pain.
A breast abscess can sometimes lead to very severe pain. In addition, the swelling of the breast can limit the movement of the arm and be painful. Often the lymph nodes in the armpit are also swollen.
In many cases these hurt when touched. In addition, pain in the limbs and headaches can occur. Depending on where the breast abscess has developed, the pain can be extremely severe.
Non-drug and limited drug therapy is available to treat the pain. Only a few painkillers are allowed during the breastfeeding period. A consultation with the treating gynaecologist is advisable.
In some cases, breast abscesses can be painless. However, those affected often report a feeling of tension or that it feels as if something is wrong. This should definitely be investigated.
A recurrence of the breast abscess is often painless. This means that if an apparently healed breast abscess reoccurs, it may show atypical symptoms. If the breast abscess is not externally visible and does not cause pain, it does not mean that it is not present. An ultrasound examination can provide information. Even a painless, invisible abscess must be treated to avoid complications.
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