Mycobacterium chelonei breast abscess associated with nipple piercing

Breast abscesses are typically seen in the setting of complicated mastitis in lactating women. Abscesses resulting from foreign bodies are not commonly seen in the breast. Over the past few decades, body piercing has become increasingly common, yet the infectious morbidity resulting from it is not well recognized. A breast abscess associated with nipple piercing is described in this report.

A 19-year-old woman developed a breast abscess approximately 10 weeks after the placement of a nipple ring. Multiple drainage procedures were performed before the infection was controlled. The cultures grew Mycobacterium chelonei, an organism not commonly causing soft-tissue infection.

Body piercing may be associated with significant infections. The use of sterile equipment and techniques should be used to prevent these uncommon infections.