Nonpuerperal mastitis and subareolar abscess of the breast.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this article is to show radiologists how to readily recognize nonpuerperal subareolar abscess and its complications in order to help reduce the time to definitive therapy and improve patient care. To achieve this purpose, the various theories of pathogenesis and the associated histopathologic features are reviewed; the typical clinical characteristics are detailed in contrast to those seen in lactational abscess and inflammatory breast cancer; the common imaging findings are described with emphasis on the sonographic features; correlative pathologic findings are presented to reinforce the imaging findings as they pertain to disease origins; and the various treatment options are reviewed.


CONCLUSIONS
Nonpuerperal subareolar mastitis and abscess is a benign breast entity often associated with prolonged morbidity. Through better understanding of the underlying disease process the imaging, physical, and clinical findings of this rare process can be more readily recognized and treatment options expedited, improving patient care.
1 Department of Radiology, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, PO Box 850, Hershey, PA 17033.
Claudia J
CJ
Kasales
Bing
B
Han
J Stanley
JS
Smith
Alison L
AL
Chetlen
Heather J
HJ
Kaneda
Serene
S
Shereef
D000038:Abscess / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D001940:Breast / Q000473:pathology*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008413:Mastitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy