Breast disorders: a review for emergency physicians

Breast complaints are a common reason for women to seek medical attention. While true emergencies involving the breast are rare, the fact that one out of every eight women will develop breast cancer increases the sense of urgency for patients presenting with concerns related to the breast. This article reviews the evaluation and treatment of true breast emergencies as well as less urgent but more common concerns relating to the breast such as trauma, infection, pain, discharge, postoperative problems, complications of breast cancer, and use of medications by lactating women.