Treatment for breast abscesses typically involves surgical drainage of the pus from the lump.
You will first be administered with a local anaesthetic before your surgeon makes a small incision on the lump to physically drain the abscess. Alternatively, they may extract the fluid using a needle with Ultrasound guidance (Ultrasound guided aspiration of abscess).
Your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent future infections as well as over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen to relieve pain and inflammation.
Anyone who suspects that they have breast abscess or who has had symptoms of mastitis for more than 24 hours should seek treatment with a breast specialist early for diagnosis and treatment.
If left untreated, Mastitis (or Mastitis from blocked ducts) can progress and a collection of pus (abscess) can develop in your breast, which would require surgical drainage of abscess to treat the condition.
Some of the common symptoms of a breast abscess include:
To diagnose a breast abscess, your breast specialist may conduct a physical examination to detect any symptoms, such as unusual swelling or the presence of lumps.
An ultrasound may also be performed for a detailed inspection of your breasts to determine signs of infection or inflammation. If an abscess is present, samples of the fluid inside the lump may be extracted (fine-needle aspiration) for further testing.
Dr. Tan is a Fellowship-trained Breast & Endocrine Surgeon who is registered on the Specialist Register (General Surgery) in both Singapore and Australia. He completed his formal Breast Surgery training through the BreastSurgANZ Fellowship Programme. He was previously Head, Division of Breast & Endocrine Surgery, NTFGH where he was the pioneer breast surgeon there developing a comprehensive, evidence-based Breast Surgery service.
Dr. Tan is passionate about engaging the wider community with regards to breast cancer outcomes. He volunteers with the Singapore Cancer Society and served as the Chairman of the Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign Committee from 2018 to 2021. He continues to currently serve as a member of this committee. During his time in the public hospital, Dr. Tan was involved in research on breast cancer screening and care, where he succeeded in obtaining competitive grants and managing a research team, with the overall aim to improve breast cancer outcomes in Singapore.
Dr. Tan believes in the importance of the patient experience and the partnership between doctor and patients in healing sickness. He also believes no two individuals are the same. He believes in the philosophy of personalised tailor-made care plans for each of his patients to meet their individual expectations and needs.
Dr. Tan aims to provide comprehensive, evidence-based care to all his patients, in a modern equipped clinic along the entire spectrum of the patient journey from diagnosis, through treatment/surgery and aftercare.
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Dr. Tan Chuan Chien is a Fellowship-trained Breast and Endocrine Surgeon practicing as a Consultant General Surgeon at Gleneagles Hospital, Singapore. He also sees patients at Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre and Parkway East Medical Centre. Dr. Tan is a registered Specialist Surgeon (General Surgery) in both Singapore and Australia.
We are equipped with modern and updated equipment, and a team that will take care of all your needs.
Dr. Tan is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS). He is also accredited to practice as a Specialist in both Singapore and Australia.
Dr. Tan firmly believes that transdisciplinary care is the key to every patient’s recovery journey.
Dr Tan is available via video-consultations for patients who are not in Singapore.
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