(C) Breast abscess

Breast abscesses occur in 0.4% to 0.5% of lactating mothers. After the first six weeks, abscess formation rarely occurs. Women with puerperal mastitis have a 5% to 11% risk of developing a breast abscess. The signs and symptoms are similar to those of mastitis with the added finding of a tense, fluctuant mass with erythema in the affected area.