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Common Breast Disorders
Abscess
A painful boil-like infection in the breast, which can form
during breastfeeding. Although it is not particularly common, it is
more likely to occur in the month following the birth of a first
baby. Infection may enter through a cracked nipple, and if diagnosed
early can be effectively treated with antibiotics. If the area is
ignored, and left to become hot, swollen and extremely painful,
antibiotics alone will not be sufficient in treating this disorder,
and you would be placing yourself at risk of developing blood
poisoning (septicaemia) . This condition has no connection with
breast cancer.
Treatment
In its advanced stages, pus would have formed that would need to be
drained. This may sometimes be possible by needle aspiration,
whereby the pus would be 'sucked out' using a hollow needle, which
is inserted into the breast. Antibiotics will then be prescribed to
clear the remaining infection. If this is not possible, then inor
surgery may be the only other option. This would be carried out in a
hospital under a general anaesthetic. The surgeon would make a small
incision and the abscess opened and drained. A small drainage tube
is often left in place, to drain the pus into a gauze dressing, and
the incision would not be stitched. Healng is rapid, and there is no
need to worry about being left with an indentation or large scar,
nor any long-term effects.
Prevention
Abscesses can be prevented, by ensurign that the breasts do not
become engorged or 'over-filled'. This can quite easily be achieved
by feeding your baby more often or even expressing surplus milk.
Cleaning nipples regularly may also help as would applying a
suitable, soothing cream or using nipple guards when breastfeeding.
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