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Breast infection

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Definition:

A breast infection is an infection in the tissue of the breast.

Alternative Names:

Mastitis; Infection - breast tissue; Breast abscess

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Breast infections are usually caused by a common bacteria found on normal skin ( Staphylococcus aureus ). The bacteria enter through a break or crack in the skin, usually the nipple.

The infection takes place in the parenchymal (fatty) tissue of the breast and causes swelling. This swelling pushes on the milk ducts. The result is pain and swelling of the infected breast.

Breast infections usually occur in women who are breast-feeding. Breast infections that are not related to breast-feeding must be distinguished from a rare form of breast cancer .

• Review Date: 5/10/2006
• Reviewed By: Melanie N. Smith, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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