Mastitis/abscess

Hello, 

I know this isn't breast cancer but I have had mastitis for a month now, started as a small lump and have been failed by my GP& a&e doctor as my whole breast became infected.I'm not breast feeding I have never had children I've just been unfortunate according to the breast clinic. I have been on 4 different types of antibiotics and been drained but the doctor couldn't get it all out so put me on a course of antibiotics to try and clear and on Monday ( a week from my original appointment) I am to be drained again if needed. By the feeling, redness and hardness of my breast I am sure I will be drained again. Can I ask for an operation to be performed? It was so incredibly painful being drained in 23 I don't know if I want to go through it again I'm scared. I was wondering if anyone else had been through this and could give me some help or information on their experience.

Thank you 

  • I would ask if there's any other way that they could help you and if it's got to be drained again. Breast clinic are really helpful and they have the up to date treatment. 
    l hope all goes well on Monday 

    susie 

  • Hello and thank you for your post.

    I am really sorry to hear about the problem with your breast , this sounds like it is a distressing time for you.

    You are right in that mastitis has nothing to do with cancer and does not cause it. However it is good to know that you are being cared for by the breast team. They are the best people to know what to do. As this is not cancer we are not experts on it but I have looked at the clinical guidance about how it is treated.  It says that if after having antibiotics ( and sometimes a few different types are needed) and draining the breast the mastitis does not get better then surgery may be needed. This involves removing the infected area, and not the whole breast. It seems (from what I have read) that the infected area is often small. I don't know if this will be needed. 

    Although mastitis is often seen in reference to breast feeding, it can occur in women (rarely men) who are not breast feeding. Smoking can increase the risk of some types of mastitis as can nipple piercing.  Another cancer charity called Breast Cancer Now has information about mastitis that you might want to read, you can see it here 

    You may already know this but taking warm baths and doing gentle massage can sometime help. Also taking over the counter pain relief (follow the instructions on the packet about when to take them) can make you feel better too.

    I hope you will be okay.

    Take care

    Caroline