ABM Clinical Protocol #30: Breast Masses, Breast Complaints, and Diagnostic Breast Imaging in the Lactating Woman

Abstract

A central goal of The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine is the development of clinical protocols, free from commercial interest or influence, for managing common medical problems that may impact breastfeeding success. These protocols serve only as guidelines for the care of breastfeeding mothers and infants and do not delineate an exclusive course of treatment or serve as standards of medical care. Variations in treatment may be appropriate according to the needs of an individual patient.

Breast Pathologies and Inadequate Breastfeeding Practices: A Survey Among a Group of Newly Delivered Women in Yaoundé, Cameroon

“…Bloody discharges in this survey were physiological, due to hormoneinduced hyper vascularization, congestion, structural and functional epithelial modifications [7,13]. This differs from unilateral bloody discharges which are generally associated with nipple trauma including crevices [14].…”

Bloody Nipple Discharge Post Delivery: A Case of “Rusty Pipe Syndrome”

“…3,4) Intraductal papilloma is a benign tu- and/or calcifications that cannot be seen on ultrasonography, as well as delineate the extent of the disease in case of malignancy. 6) In summary, "rusty pipe syndrome" during pregnancy and lactation is an uncommon and harmless condition, but can be alarming to the mother, caregivers, and medical personnel. 10) It is a self-limiting condition and is usually resolved within three to seven days after onset of lactation.…”

“…If the ultrasonography reveals suspicious findings or is discordant with the clinical examination, additional imaging using mammography or digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT or “three-dimensional mammography”) may be indicated. This is related to the fact that mammography or DBT can visualize architectural distortion and/or calcifications that cannot be seen on ultrasonography, as well as delineate the extent of the disease in case of malignancy [ 6 ].…”

“…2,5) In other cases, this condition persists for the first few weeks of lactation, and is eventually resolved spontaneously. 6)…”

“…In most cases, the syndrome is spontaneously cured within 3 to 7 days after the onset of lactation [ 2 , 5 ]. In other cases, this condition persists for the first few weeks of lactation, and is eventually resolved spontaneously [ 6 ].…”