Mastitis
Mastitis is inflammation or infection of breast tissue, often causing pain, redness, swelling, and fever.
When to get help quickly: Prompt review is important if there is fever, worsening pain, pus, a growing lump, or symptoms are not improving after simple measures and treatment.
Common symptoms
Symptoms often come on quickly and may include breast pain, swelling, redness, warmth, fever, body aches, and feeling unwell, especially during breastfeeding.
When imaging helps
Imaging helps when symptoms are severe, not improving, or doctors need to check whether a breast abscess has formed.
What radiology does
Ultrasound can help look for an associated abscess, especially when symptoms are severe or not improving.
What usually happens next
Treatment commonly includes antibiotics, pain control, and drainage if an abscess develops.
Seen this on your report?
Your doctor or the radiologist who wrote it can tell you what it means for you.