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Breast abscess

Overview

Open all pages about Breast abscess

The main symptom of a breast abscess is a painful lump on your breast that contains pus. It will usually feel swollen and warm.

A GP will refer you to hospital if they think you have a breast abscess. You'll have an ultrasound scan on your breast to check for an abscess.

Treatment in hospital for a breast abscess usually involves the pus being drained with a needle or a small cut to the skin.

A breast infection called mastitis can cause a breast abscess if it’s not treated quickly. It mostly affects women who are breastfeeding.

A breast abscess is a build-up of pus in your breast caused by an infection. It needs treatment in hospital.

Page last reviewed: 14/06/2023
Next review due: 14/06/2026