Differential Diagnosis for Acute Segmental Mastitis in a 3-year-old
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Breast abscess or mastitis due to Staphylococcus aureus: This is the most common cause of acute segmental mastitis in children, often resulting from bacterial infection.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis: Although less common in children, this condition can cause inflammation and mastitis.
- Trauma-induced mastitis: Direct injury to the breast tissue can lead to inflammation and infection.
- Inflammatory breast cancer (very rare in children, but possible): Although extremely rare, it's essential to consider in the differential diagnosis due to its aggressive nature.
- Do Not Miss diagnoses
- Tuberculosis (TB) of the breast: TB can manifest as mastitis, and missing this diagnosis could lead to severe consequences if left untreated.
- Inflammatory carcinoma: This rare and aggressive form of breast cancer can mimic mastitis and has a poor prognosis if not promptly diagnosed.
- Sarcoidosis: A systemic disease that can cause granulomatous inflammation in the breast, mimicking mastitis.
- Rare diagnoses
- Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA): A systemic vasculitis that can cause granulomatous inflammation in various organs, including the breast.
- Eczema or dermatitis of the breast: Skin conditions that can cause inflammation and mimic mastitis.
- Foreign body reaction: A reaction to a foreign object, such as a needle or other material, can cause inflammation and mimic mastitis.