Blood tests for An at Tam Anh General Hospital revealed elevated CRP and white blood cell counts, indicating infection. A breast ultrasound identified a large fluid collection at the 10-12 o'clock position near the center of her right areola, along with inflamed axillary lymph nodes.

Dr. Nguyen Le Ngoc, a specialist in pediatrics at Tam Anh General Hospital Ho Chi Minh City, diagnosed a breast abscess. She prescribed intravenous antibiotics combined with anti-inflammatory medication and nutritional support. Concurrently, Dr. Lam Thien Kim, from the pediatric surgery department, closely monitored the abscessed area for pus aspiration if necessary. After 7 days, the abscess visible on ultrasound increased in size, contained more fluid, and began to liquefy. Doctors aspirated about 10 ml of pus. An's fever subsided, swelling and pain decreased, the fluid collection shrank, and her lab results stabilized. She was discharged, continuing oral medication and scheduled for follow-up appointments.

Dr. Ngoc (left) and Dr. Kim examining An after the procedure. Photo: Trung Vu

Dr. Ngoc stated that breast abscesses account for less than 1% of soft tissue infections in children. The condition is often linked to endocrine factors or skin infections. If not detected and treated promptly, the inflammation can spread, leading to sepsis, breast deformity, and requiring surgical intervention. Most children respond well to medical treatment when the disease is identified early.

Breast inflammation in children typically results from infections originating in the skin around the areola. Risk factors for increased breast infection include: shaving or plucking hair in this area, squeezing acne on the chest, skin abrasions from vigorous scratching (eczema), folliculitis, insect bites, and an immunocompromised state. Obesity, diabetes, or prolonged corticosteroid treatment are also contributing factors. To prevent the condition, maintaining personal hygiene and avoiding actions that damage the skin are essential.

Doctors advise parents to pay attention to abnormal signs in their child's breasts during puberty, such as: swelling, pain, redness, warmth, or persistent fever. If any abnormalities occur, parents should not squeeze pus or self-medicate their child; instead, they should take the child to the hospital for treatment to prevent complications.

Minh Tam

* Patient's name has been changed