MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Subareolar abscess

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Subareolar abscess

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition Causes, incidence, and risk factors Symptoms	Signs and tests Treatment Expectations (prognosis) Complications Calling your health care provider

Illustrations

Normal female breast anatomy

Alternative names Return to top

Abscess - areolar gland; Areolar gland abscess

Definition Return to top

A subareolar abscess is an abscess or growth on the areolar gland, which is located underneath or beneath the areola (the circular area of darker pigmentation around the nipple) of the breast.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top

The cause of a subareolar abscess is a blockage of the small glands or ducts under the areola, with development of an infection under the skin.

This is an uncommon problem that affects younger or middle-aged women who are not breast-feeding, unlike most types of infections in the breast. There are no known risk factors.

Symptoms Return to top

Tender lump beneath areolar area (colored area around nipple)
Local swelling
Drainage, pus (possible)
Fever
Malaise

Signs and tests Return to top

The health care provider will perform a breast exam. An ultrasound examination of the breast may be recommended in some cases.

Treatment Return to top

Subareolar abscesses are treated with antibiotics and by opening and draining the infected tissue. This can be done in a physician's office with local anesthesia. However, if the abscess recurs, the affected glands should be surgically removed.

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

Prognosis is good after surgical treatment.

Complications Return to top

Subareolar abscesses tend to recur until the affected glands are surgically removed.

Calling your health care provider Return to top

Contact your health care provider if you develop a painful lump under the nipple or areola.

Update Date: 1/12/2003

Updated by: Daniel Rein, M.D., Obstetrician and Gynecologist, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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