Mastitis

Condition

• Mastitis

Definition 

• cellulitis of the interlobular connective tissue of the breast
• infection organism is usually S. Aureus, E. Coli or C. Albans

History

• A lump and soreness 
• A red tender area
• possibly fever, tiredness, muscle aches and pains

Management

• prevention: empty breast (keep feeding) and attend to breast engorgement and cracked nipples
• antibiotics: flucloxacillin 500 mg QID 

References:

• John Murtagh's general practice 

Cyclical mastalgia

Condition

• Cyclical Mastalgia

Definition 

• Pain prior to menstruation 

Presentation

• typical age 35
• discomfort and sometimes pain are present
• usually bilateral but one breast can dominate
• mainly premenstrual 
• usually resolves on commencement of menstruation 
• breasts diffusely nodular or lumpy
• variable relationship to the pill 

Examination

• as per normal breast examination 

Management

• reassurance
• proper bra support
• low fat diet, excluding caffeine
• ideal weight
• analgesia 
• Danazol in severe cases

Reference:

john murtagh general practice