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Breast abscess

Case contributed by Maulik S Patel
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Pain and swelling in left breast for six months in non-lactating female

Patient Data

Age: 30 years
Gender: Female
ultrasound

There is a multi-lobulated collection in the retro-areolar region which extends to all quadrants. Approximate size is 80 x 70 x 50 mm. It shows wall thickness up to 3 - 4 mm. There is no solid mass lesion. Rest of the breast shows glandular parenchyma. The pectoralis muscle is normal. There is no axillary or internal mammary adenopathy.

Case Discussion

A non-lactating female presented with the left breast swelling and pain for about last 6 months. A few months ago, she was diagnosed as having a breast abscess which was left untreated. The more recent ultrasound shown here demonstrates a large collection involving the left breast. An incision and drainage procedure was performed which confirmed an abscess. Pathology revealed it to be cystic neurophilic granulomatous mastitis.

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