Subareolar Breast Abscess in a Male: A Case Report

Abstract

A subareolar breast abscess (SBA) is caused by the formation of an inflammatory abscess around the milk duct. SBAs usually occur in females, and reports of SBAs in males are very rare. This study reports the case of a 62-year-old male patient who presented with a subcutaneous nodule and diffuse erythema around the left nipple. Ultrasonography revealed a mixed lesion measuring 2.5 x 1.5 cm, mostly cystic. A computed tomography scan of the chest showed an irregular, nodular structure in the same area. Magnetic resonance imaging with contrast enhancement suggested an abscess. A needle biopsy was performed on the lesion, and results showed moderate inflammatory cell infiltration, including lymphocytes, plasma cells, neutrophils, and abscess formation, thus leading to the diagnosis of SBA. The patient did not strongly desire a surgical procedure. He was treated with the cephem antibiotic cefaclor and antipyretic analgesics. During the six-month healing period, cefaclor was administered for a total of six weeks. Once he improved, recurrence was observed two years after the onset of the disease; however, the symptoms improved with conservative treatment, such as warm compresses. Preventive measures should be considered as SBAs are prone to recurrence.

Male Breast: A Review of the Literature and Current State of the Art of Diagnostic Imaging Work-Up

“…Abscesses in the MB are rare conditions, mostly located in the subareolar region and resulting from traumas that create a pathway for microorganisms, such as nipple piercing [20]. Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis are commonly associated with MB ab-Figure 5.…”