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Breast infection    See images

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Mastitis; Infection - breast tissue; Breast abscess

Definition:

An infection located in the tissue of the breast. In most cases, bacteria entered the tissue through cracks in the nipples.

Causes and Risks

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 then takes place in the parenchymal (fatty) tissue and causes swelling of the parenchymal tissue outside the milk ducts.  This swelling in turns compresses on the milk ducts.  The result is pain and swelling of the infected breast.  Breast infections usually occur in women who are breastfeeding. Breast infections that are not related to breastfeeding must be differentiated from a rare form of breast cancer.

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