Breast cellulitis

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Breast cellulitis is an acute pyogenic inflammatory change involving the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. This can be secondary to any wound, surgery or radiation for breast carcinoma.

Clinical presentation

inflammatory changes such as edema, swelling and redness of the involved breast
no definite palpable mass
tenderness
fever
chills
leukocytosis

Pathology

This inflammation is secondary to an opportunistic infection due to stasis of lymph and secondary bacterial growth therein.

Breast cellulitis may develop weeks to months after the radiation therapy and hence is termed as delayed breast cellulitis. Breast cellulitis develops about 3 to 5 months post radiotherapy.

Radiographic features

Ultrasound

hyperechoic, inflamed breast fat
increased vascularity
no definite fluid collection (unlike breast abscess)

Treatment and prognosis

Treatment is usually with antibiotics and symptomatic treatment. If it persists even following treatment, then a biopsy may be performed to look for cancer recurrence.