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Normal female breast anatomy
Normal female breast anatomy

Subareolar abscess
Definition:
An abscess or growth on the areolar gland. This gland is located beneath the areola (the circular area of darker pigmentation around the nipple) of the breast.

Alternative Names:
Abscess - areolar gland; Areolar gland abscess

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The cause of a subareolar abscess appears to be blockage of the small glands or ducts under the areola, with development of an infection under the skin. This is an uncommon problem that occurs in younger or middle-aged women who are not breast-feeding or lactating (unlike most types of infections in the breast). There are no known risk factors.
Symptoms:
  • Tender lump beneath areolar area (colored area around nipple)
  • Local swelling
  • Drainage, pus (possible)
  • Fever
  • Malaise
Signs and tests:

Your doctor will perform a breast exam. An ultrasound 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 physician's office with local anesthesia. However, the abscesses often recur until the affected glands are 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.
Review Date: 6/15/2001
Reviewed By: Catherine S. Bradley, M.D., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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