Mastitis

Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast.

• The most common is lactation (postpartum) mastitis. It occurs in 7-16% of young women most often after the birth of their first child.
• Non-lactation mastitis can develop at any age and is not associated with breastfeeding.

Symptoms:breast compaction

• swelling of the breast, an increase in volume
• redness in the area of inflammation, local increase in skin temperature in the area of inflammation of the mammary gland, thinning of the skin
• the pain of a bursting character
• increase in body temperature ≥38°
• deterioration of general well-being (weakness, fatigue, decreased working capacity)

Risk factors for mastitis:stagnation of milk

• poor emptying of the gland during feeding
• nipple cracks
• insufficient level of hygienic care of the mammary glands during pregnancy and lactation

These contribute to the penetration and reproduction of bacterial flora in the gland, which leads to its inflammation.

Non-lactation mastitis can occur as a result of breast injuries, after plastic surgery, nipple piercing, due to wearing an incorrectly selected bra, etc.

Diagnostics:consultation of an oncologist-mammologist, including discussion of disturbing symptoms, examination of the mammary glands, collection of discharge from the nipple for cytological examination

• digital mammography (from 39-40 years). With a radiologically dense background, a mammologist may recommend breast tomosynthesis
• ultrasound examination of the mammary glands (ultrasound)

The above methods of examination do not require special training.

Treatment Conservative treatment, which sometimes requires the use of antibiotics, is selected individually in each case and is carried out strictly under the dynamic supervision of a doctor.

In case of detection of lactation mastitis, consultations are held on the correct technique of breastfeeding.
The issue of the need for surgical treatment is decided at the appointment with a mammologist on an individual basis, taking into account the data obtained as a result of a comprehensive examination.

In general, the prognosis for uncomplicated mastitis is favorable. The presence of mastitis does not significantly increase the risk of developing breast cancer in the future.