Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 1/31/2010

Question
"I am 45 yr old and had acute onset of left breast redness,tenderness,large hard area,heavy feeling and obvious swelling. I saw my pcp who sent me to a surgeon.He did an u/s which showed 2 cysts and a large area of inflammation. He did a FNA but only blood was aspirated.This was sent to the lab for analysis.It was several cc's of frank blood. His first impression was that there may be an abcess. But when doing the u/s , there was no single pocket seen. Just a widespread inflammation. He placed me on a antibiotic and am scheduled to go back in a week. He said it may be that the cysts became infected ( can they become infected?) but it may go on to be an abcess which would necessitate a surgical drainage. He told me and I quoute- "Could it be something else? Yes it could"
Of course I am nervous. I have read about IBC and wondering if this could be something like that. I have had 2 prior benign biopsies in this same breast.
I started the antibiotics yesterday and can't tell much difference ( I know it is probably too early). The areola even is reddish-pink in color- obvious difference than the right.
Should I be worried?I know you cannot dx over the internet. Just wanted your thoughts.
Thanks."

Answer
Much too early to tell. We will have to let your antibiotics treatment run its course and wait for the result. If the infection/inflammation disappears during your treatment all is well. If not a new (surgical) biopsy should be tried. So we will just have to wait for your results! Good luck!



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