Zuska's Disease

Definition

Definition of Zuska's Disease
Zuska's Disease, also known as lactiferous fistula, also known as subareolar abscess or periductal mastitis and Zuska-Atkins disease is a rare recurrent condition characterized by draining abscesses around the nipple. It is often misdiagnosed and mistreated, occasionally resulting in unnecessary mastectomy. Symptoms include swelling or subareolar mass, a draining fistula from behind the areola, thick discharge from the nipple, or painful discharge.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Zuska's Disease
Symptoms include swelling or subareolar mass, a draining fistula from behind the areola, thick discharge from the nipple, or painful discharge.

Causes

Causes of Zuska's Disease
To research the causes of Zuskas Disease, consider researching the causes of these these diseases that may be similar, or associated with Zuskas Disease:

1. Lactiferous fistula
2. Mastectomy
3. Subareolar mass
4. Granulomatous mastitis
5. Puerperal mastitis

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Zuska's Disease
The doctor may order a battery of blood tests. There are several tests that have proven reliable in diagnosing Zuska's Disease and also ruling it out.

Treatment

Treatment of Zuska's Disease
Massage and application of heat can help prior to feeding as this will aid the opening of the ducts and passageways. A cold compress may be applied to ease the pain when not needing to lose the milk, though it is most suitable to reduce the levels of milk contained. For this reason it is also advised that the baby should often feed from the inflamed organ of the chest or the breast. However, the content of the milk may be somewhat transformed, sometimes being more salty, and the taste may make the baby reject the breast at the first case.

Prognosis

Prognosis of Zuska's Disease
Consult with your doctor.

Prevention

Prevention of Zuska's Disease
Consult with your doctor.