Management of breast abscesses

Hospital experience of breast abscess is changing as nonpuerperal abscess associated with periductal mastitis assumes increasing importance. Clinical presentation, bacteriology, and management differ notably from acute puerperal abscess, but the latter can still cause severe morbidity. The standard management of puerperal abscess by incision, breaking down loculi, and dependent drainage may still be used, but the author has shown that an alternative approach--curettage and primary obliteration of the cavity under antibiotic cover--can give equally good results with reduced morbidity.