Is Mastitis Cause For Concern?

Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast tissue which, although most common in breastfeeding women, may occur in women of any age, says Dr. Judy Hopkinson, a lactation physiologist at the USDA's Children's Nutrition Research Center.

Mastitis is usually caused by germs entering the breast through a crack or abrasion in the nipple. Swelling caused by mastitis generally resolves when the inflammation clears. Repeated episodes of mastitis in the same area might indicate that something is obstructing the flow of milk. This could be a cyst or possibly a tumor.

Although not common, breast cancer can and does occur in breastfeeding women. Suspicious symptoms include repeated mastitis in the same breast coupled with resistance to antibiotic therapy.

All women are advised to continue regular monthly breast self-examination - even when breastfeeding.

- From the USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center Kids' Nutrition Q&A

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Courtesy of Texas Medical Center News

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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URL: http://www.tmc.edu/health_briefs/03_15_99-mastitis.html