mastitis /mastī″tis/ [Gk, mastos, breast, itis, inflammation] , an inflammatory condition of the breast, usually caused by streptococcal or staphylococcal infection. Acute mastitis, most common in the first 2 months of lactation, is characterized by pain, swelling, redness, axillary lymphadenopathy, fever, and malaise. If it is untreated or inadequately treated, abscesses may form. Antibiotics, rest, analgesia, and warm soaks are usually prescribed. Usually breastfeeding may continue. Chronic tuberculous mastitis is rare; when it occurs, it represents extension of tuberculosis from the lungs and ribs beneath the breast. Granulomatous mastitis is a distinct benign breast condition of unknown etiology occurring in nonlactating women. See also chronic mastitis.
