Differential Diagnosis for Breast Pain in a Lactating Mother
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Mastitis: This is an infection of the breast tissue, which is common in lactating women. Symptoms include breast pain, redness, swelling, and fever. The likelihood of mastitis is high due to the frequent milk expression and potential for bacterial entry through the nipple.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Plugged Duct: A plugged duct can cause localized breast pain, swelling, and sometimes a lump. It occurs when milk flow is obstructed in one of the ducts, often due to poor latching or infrequent feeding.
- Engorgement: Breast engorgement is common in the early days of lactation and can cause breast pain, swelling, and hardness. It happens when the breasts are overfull of milk.
- Nipple Thrush: A fungal infection that can cause nipple and breast pain, especially during feeding. It's more common in mothers with a history of vaginal yeast infections or those who have been on antibiotics.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Breast Abscess: Although less common than mastitis, a breast abscess is a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention. It's a collection of pus in the breast tissue, often resulting from untreated mastitis. Symptoms include severe breast pain, swelling, redness, and fever.
- Inflammatory Breast Cancer: This rare form of breast cancer can mimic mastitis or a breast infection, presenting with rapid onset of breast swelling, redness, and pain. It's crucial to consider this diagnosis, especially if symptoms persist or worsen despite appropriate treatment for mastitis or other common conditions.
Rare Diagnoses
- Ductal Ectasia: A condition where the milk ducts in the breast become widened, leading to symptoms like breast pain, nipple discharge, and sometimes a palpable mass. It's less common in lactating women but can occur.
- Breast Cyst: While more common in non-lactating women, breast cysts can occur during lactation and cause localized breast pain, especially if they become large or rupture.
- Galactocele: A milk-filled cyst that can develop in lactating women, causing a palpable mass and sometimes breast pain. It's a rare condition but should be considered in the differential diagnosis of breast pain in a lactating mother.