-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
reproductive system
mastitis
diagnoses

definition and etiology

definition:
Infection of the (female) breast.

etiology:
Most cases of mastitis occur while the woman is breast-feeding. Staphylococcus is an implicated organism though others may be involved.

signs and symptoms

signs and symptoms:
• Pain: May be severe.
• Redness, heat, swelling.
• Tenderness to palpation.
• Fever can often be present.

lab findings:
• Increased WBCs.
• Culture of any breast discharge.

course and prognosis

Mastitis, although usually very painful, is not typically a serious disease and the prognosis is excellent with appropriate treatment.

differential diagnosis

• duct ectasia
• fat necrosis
• neoplasm
• galactocele
• trauma


footnotes