Mastitis

Last updated: Monday, 20, December, 2010
CausesAppropriate Tests

Infectious 

Nipple discharge, pus - microscopy and culture when infection is thought to be present.

Staphylococcus aureus is the most likely pathogen, especially during lactation.

  • Acute bacterial

Pus, biopsy specimen - mycobacteria testing.

Non-infectious

  • Periductal mastitis/duct ectasia
  • Lobular granulomatous mastitis
  • Inflammatory carcinoma 

Breast carcinoma can present as an acute inflammatory process and mimic acute infection: FNAB, breast biopsy, if inflammation is unresponsive to treatment.

See Breast lesion