A parturient woman complains of pain in her mammary gland. In the painful area there is an infiltration 3x4 cm in size with softened center. Body temperature is 38,5°C. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Answer options

1. Pleurisy
2. Milk retention
3. Acute suppurative mastitis
4. Birth trauma
5. Pneumonia

Explanation

Bacterial mastitis is the most common variety of mastitis and is associated with lactation in most cases. The affected breast, or more usually a segment of it, presents the classical signs of acute inflammation (pain, infiltration, fever). Early on this is generalized cellulitis but later an abscess will form (softened center is telling about the presence of suppuration and formation of abscess). Bailey & Love’s short practice of surgery. – 27th edition. – P. 866.