A 30-year-old lactating woman presents with a tender, erythematous, warm, palpable mass in the upper outer quadrant of the right breast with fever of 38.5 degrees C. Ultrasound reveals a complex collection with septations. What is the most appropriate management?
- A Immediate mastectomy
- B Ultrasound-guided aspiration or incision and drainage with antibiotics ✓
- C Oral antibiotics alone
- D Core needle biopsy
Correct answer: B. Ultrasound-guided aspiration or incision and drainage with antibiotics
Explanation
Lactational breast abscess is managed by drainage (ultrasound-guided aspiration or incision and drainage) along with antibiotics covering S. aureus. Mastectomy is never indicated for a lactational abscess. Antibiotics alone are insufficient once an abscess has formed. Core biopsy is used for suspicious solid masses, not for confirmed abscesses.
Reference: Bailey and Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 28th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.