Sections View Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Annotate Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Supplementary Content + Download Section PDF Listen ++ For further information, see CMDT Part 17-05: Breast Abscess + Key Features Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Infection is generally caused by Staphylococcus aureus and is common in lactating women during nursing Infection in nonlactating women is rare However, subareolar abscesses may develop in nonlactating young or middle-aged women In the nonlactating breast, consider inflammatory carcinoma + Clinical Findings Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Redness, tenderness, and induration in the breast + Diagnosis Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ In lactating women, diagnosis is generally clinical In nonlactating women, incision and biopsy of indurated breast tissue are indicated to rule out malignancy Differential diagnosis Breast cancer, especially inflammatory or Paget disease of the breast Local irritation or trauma Fat necrosis Fibroadenoma + Treatment Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Needle or catheter drainage is often adequate, but surgical incision and drainage may be necessary An abscess tends to recur after aspiration unless area is explored during a quiescent interval with excision of the involved lactiferous duct or ducts at base of nipple For abscess or cellulitis in nonlactating breast that does not promptly resolve with antibiotics, incision and biopsy of indurated tissue with small piece of erythematous skin are indicated This biopsy is generally required to rule out malignancy (inflammatory breast cancer)