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Breast infection - Symptom

Alternative Names

Mastitis; Infection - breast tissue; Breast abscess

Symptoms:

Breast enlargement on one side only
Breast lump
Breast pain
Fever and flu-like symptoms including nausea and vomiting
Itching
Nipple discharge (may contain pus)
Nipple sensation changes
Swelling, tenderness, redness, and warmth in breast tissue
Tender or enlarged lymph nodes in armpit on the same side

Signs and tests:

Breastfeeding women are usually not tested. Sometimes for infections that keep returning, milk from the nipple will be cultured. In women who are not breastfeeding, testing may include mammography or breast biopsy.

Female Breast

Breast infection

Normal female breast anatomy

Reviewed last on: 5/12/2008
Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Clinical Training Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine; Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Newton ER. Breast-feeding. In: Gabbe SG, Niebyl JF, Simpson JL, eds. Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Churchill Livingston Elsevier; 2007:chap 22.

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