Diagnosis of Mastitis

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Mastitis, or inflammation of the breast, is really a symptom rather than a condition. This means that it is important to find out what is causing the soreness and swelling.

If you are breastfeeding, it is a good idea talk to your health visitor or midwife during home visits. They will be able to offer advice about whether you are experiencing normal tenderness that goes along with starting breastfeeding, or if you should go to your GP. Your GP will ask about your symptoms and will examine the affected breast, to work out whether you have a blocked milk duct or another condition that causes mastitis. The GP will also try to rule out other causes of nipple pain, such as nipple thrush (a fungal infection).

Along with pain and swelling, some women find that their breasts become lumpy and lymph nodes in their armpits become swollen and tender. Most of the time the lumps will go away when the mastitis is treated. But if you continue to have a lump either in your breast or under your arms, it should be checked in case it is cancerous.