Subareolar abscess

• Alternative Names

  Abscess - areolar gland; Areolar gland abscess

• Causes, incidence, and risk factors

  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 breastfeeding. There are no known risk factors.

• Symptoms
  • Drainage and possible pus from lump beneath areolar area (colored area around nipple)
  • Fever
  • General ill-feeling
  • Swollen, tender lump beneath areolar area (colored area around nipple)
• Signs and tests

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

• Treatment

  Subareolar abscesses are treated with antibiotics and by opening and draining the infected tissue. This can be done in a doctor's office with local numbing medicine (anesthesic). However, if the abscess returns, the affected glands should be surgically removed.

• Expectations (prognosis)

  Prognosis is good after surgical treatment.

• Complications

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

• Calling your health care provider

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

• References

  Iglehart JD. Smith BL. Diseases of the breast. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed.Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 34.

  Lester SC. The breast. In: Kumar V, Abbas AK, Fausto N, eds. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2005:chap 23.

Review Date: 10/28/2008

Reviewed By: Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.