Acute Mastitis
An aggressive clinical presentation mimicking acute mastitis, caused by tumour emboli blocking dermal lymphatics.
Acute Mastitis
- A bacterial infection of the breast tissue. Almost always happens during the first month of breastfeeding.
- Why does it happen during breastfeeding?
- Breastfeeding causes cracks and fissures in the nipple. These small breaks in the skin create an entry point for bacteria — mainly Staphylococcus aureus, and less commonly Streptococci.
- Initially only one duct or one sector of the breast is involved
- If untreated, it spreads to the whole breast
Read this in Breast Inflammation: Mastitis, Periductal Mastitis & Duct Ectasia
Acute Mastitis
- Almost exclusively occurs during lactation . Most commonly caused by S. aureus , entering via nipple fissures. Presents as a painful, red, swollen breast with fever, and may progress to abscess. Treatment includes antibiotics and, if necess
Read this in Disorders of the Vagina and Breast
What our notes say
- An aggressive clinical presentation mimicking acute mastitis, caused by tumour emboli blocking dermal lymphatics. (Disorders of the Vagina and Breast)
- | Acute Mastitis | 1st month of breastfeeding; *S. aureus* (abscess) or strep (cellulitis); via nipple cracks; treat with antibiotics | (Exam Prep: Skin Infections, Psoriasis & Pemphigus)
- Acute mastitis = breastfeeding + Staph aureus + cracked nipple; Staph → abscess; Strep → cellulitis (Breast Inflammation: Mastitis, Periductal Mastitis & Duct Ectasia)
- Inflammatory Processes of the BreastConditions covered: Acute Mastitis · Fat Necrosis · Mammary Duct Ectasia (Disorders of the Vagina and Breast)