Recurring Breast Infections

[chocsie]

I had a lump in my right breast in October. The doctor told me it was a cyst and would go away with antibiotics. I took them and even though to me it still felt like there may have been a little left she said it was gone. She did an ultrasound and said it was gone. I had a breast reduction scheduled  for the end of December. I went ahead with the reduction and the plastic surgeon said he didnt see anything when he went in. I developed another lump in the same breast about 3 weeks ago. The lump is very hard and behind and on the side of my nipple. it is also very large. I went to a different breast surgeon one I'd used for a previous (non-breast) surgery. She did an ultrasound and decided to put me on antibiotics (Keflex). She said it was cellulitis. I began the Keflex and a week later the skin began to thin and I could see pus trying to break through. I called her office, she was out so they scheduled me with one of her collegues. He did an incision and drained the pus. He bandaged me and told me how to care for the wound. Now, here I am a week later and the hard large lump is still there. The incision is just about healed but I swear it seems as though there is another area about to break open!! I have my follow up appointment tomorrow. I want them to deal with this thing more seriously!!

I am soooo frustrated. Why cant they just cut it open and see what it is and remove it once and for all? What should I say to them when I go in tomorrow??

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear Chocsie,  Over the internet without ability to assess it is impossible to make a recommendation regarding whether or not surgery is needed to take care of this lump.  Be sure tomorrow when you are talking with the surgeon that your questions are being answered and if you are unsure of something ask for clarification.  Is the surgeon who did your breast reduction aware of the current situation? and have they had a chance to evaluate as well?  If not you may want to be sure they evaluate this as well.  

[brittbee]

Well if there is one thing I have had experience with this year it has been lancing and draining of suspicious pus pockets. Just be cautious of the antibiotics they are prescribing you and how much antibiotic. You should ask them to culture the pus that they get out. It might give you some piece of mind as to what kind of infection it is. Sorry you are going through that ..I know how awful that worry can be as well. Be sure to use precautions at home in terms of clorox wipes/bleach water on all surfaces just in case it is another type of infection. But a culture should determine that.