Breast infection

Alternative names:

breast abscess; infection of breast tissue; mastitis

Symptoms:

• breast pain
• breast lump
• breast enlargement on one side only
• swelling, tenderness, redness, and heat in breast tissue
• nipple discharge (may contain pus)
• nipple sensation changes
• itching
• tender and/or enlarged lymph nodes in armpit on the same side
• fever

Signs and tests:

In women who are not breast feeding, testing may include mammography or breast biopsy. Otherwise, tests are usually not necessary.