Unexpected changes in breast tissue, such as a lump, can cause concern. While many breast changes are benign, it’s natural to wonder about serious conditions like cancer. A breast abscess is a localized collection of pus, typically resulting from an infection. This article clarifies the relationship between breast abscesses and breast cancer.
What is a Breast Abscess?
A breast abscess is a painful, pus-filled lump within the breast tissue. It commonly arises as a complication of mastitis, an inflammation often caused by bacterial infections. While mastitis is most prevalent in breastfeeding individuals, breast abscesses can develop in anyone. Bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus are frequent culprits, entering through a cracked nipple or blocked milk ducts.
Symptoms include a tender, swollen lump that feels warm to the touch, with red, flushed skin. Fever, general malaise, and sometimes nipple discharge can also occur. These indicate an active infectious process requiring medical attention.
Is There a Connection to Cancer?
A breast abscess is primarily an infectious condition, distinct from breast cancer, which involves uncontrolled growth of malignant cells. Concern about a cancer connection often arises because some abscess symptoms—a palpable lump, swelling, redness, and skin changes—can resemble those of certain breast cancers, particularly inflammatory breast cancer.
Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare, aggressive form that may present with redness, warmth, swelling, and skin changes resembling an orange peel texture, often without a distinct lump. While these overlapping symptoms can cause confusion, it is uncommon for breast cancer to initially present as a typical, painful abscess, or for an abscess to mask an underlying cancer. An abscess itself does not become cancerous, but its inflammatory signs can sometimes delay the diagnosis of a co-occurring or underlying malignancy if not properly investigated.
How Doctors Distinguish Between the Two
Distinguishing a breast abscess from breast cancer requires a diagnostic process. A healthcare professional begins with a clinical examination, assessing the lump or breast changes, including pain, warmth, and skin appearance. Abscesses tend to be acutely painful and warm, unlike many cancerous lumps which might be painless.
Imaging techniques are crucial. Ultrasound is often the primary tool, distinguishing fluid-filled collections (abscesses) from solid masses (tumors). An abscess typically appears as a hypoechoic (dark) collection, while a solid cancerous mass has different features. Mammography may also be used, particularly if cancer is suspected, though it may show non-specific findings like skin thickening.
Fluid aspiration is a procedure for suspected abscesses. If pus is withdrawn, it confirms an abscess, and the fluid is sent for culture to identify bacteria and guide antibiotic treatment. If the fluid is bloody, the lump persists after drainage, or imaging results remain ambiguous, a biopsy is performed. A biopsy involves taking a tissue sample for examination, identifying infection or cancerous cells.
When Medical Attention is Necessary
Medical evaluation is important for any new or concerning changes in breast health. This includes any new breast lump, persistent breast pain, changes in skin appearance like redness or dimpling, or nipple discharge. While many breast changes may be benign, only a healthcare professional can accurately diagnose the cause.
Early diagnosis is important for effective treatment of a breast abscess and, in rare instances of underlying malignancy, for cancer management. If an initial infection diagnosis does not respond to prescribed antibiotics, further investigation is necessary to rule out other conditions, including inflammatory breast cancer. Delaying evaluation can impact treatment effectiveness for either an infection or cancer.