The breast cancer that wasn't: Breast abscess mimicking malignancy

Mastitis, or inflammation of breast tissue, typically presents in lactating women but may be seen across all ages and in both genders. Infection is the most common etiology underlying this condition, although noninfectious inflammation is also possible. Timely diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications including breast abscess. Mastitis and breast abscess are both characterized by pain and may result in misdiagnosis and delayed treatment of more serious conditions such as inflammatory breast cancer (IBC). Conversely, imaging may result in misdiagnosis of breast abscesses due to the similarity to lesions suspicious for malignancy. We present the case of a 52-year-old female with imaging studies suspicious for IBC who was eventually diagnosed with breast abscess via pathological confirmation. We discuss the overlap and differences between breast abscess and breast malignancy regarding patient presentation, population, risk factors, and imaging findings for diagnostic purposes.