• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.295-304
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• 2006

Inflammatory conditions of the breast are uncommon and may be encountered in the puerperal and nonpuerperal setting. Nonpuerperal mastitis is less common and usually presents with inflammation and chronic abscess formation in the periareolar and peripheral region. These abscess have a high rate of recurrence and are often associated with an underlying disease state, such as diabetes, steroid treatment, trauma or other kinds of a deficient immune system. The diagnosis is suggested by the history of sudden onset and the presense of swelling, tenderness, heat, erythema, and in the case of abscess, fluctuation. Ultrasound can also be useful. Treatment consists of antibiotic administration or incision and drainage of the abscess and, in cases of retroareolar abscess, resection of entire underlying duct system. Recently, we have gotten good result from treating two cases of nonpuerperal mastitis and breast abscess which had treatment of antibiotics and drainage three times but recurred. After taking gamijipaesan(加味芷貝散) and acupuncture treatment, they have recovered and haven't recurred in 8 months. So it proves that herb medication and acupuncture are effective on nonpuerperal chronic mastitis and breast abscess.