Subareolar AbscessSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Subareolar Abscess Overview
Learn About Subareolar Abscess
Subareolar abscess is an abscess on the areolar gland. The areolar gland is located in the breast under or below the areola (colored area around the nipple).
Abscess - areolar gland; Areolar gland abscess; Breast abscess - subareolar
Subareolar abscess is caused by a blockage of the small glands or ducts below the skin of the areola. This blockage leads to infection of the glands.
This is an uncommon problem. It affects younger or middle-aged women who are not breastfeeding. Risk factors include:
- Diabetes
- Nipple piercing
- Smoking
Symptoms of an areolar abscess are:
- Swollen, tender lump beneath the areolar area, with swelling and warmth of the skin over it
- Drainage and possible pus from this lump
- Fever and chills
- General ill feeling or fatigue
Subareolar abscesses are treated with antibiotics and by opening and draining the infected tissue. This can be done in a doctor's office with local numbing medicine. If the abscess returns, the affected glands should be surgically removed. The abscess can also be drained using a sterile needle. This is often done under ultrasound guidance.
Texas Health Breast Specialists
Dr. Radha Iyengar is the medical director of the Breast Center at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Allen. She obtained her undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Florida and went on to complete a general surgery residency at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas. She then completed a Society of Surgical Oncology accredited breast fellowship at Emory University in Atlanta before returning to Texas.Dr. Iyengar is board-certified by the American Board of Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. She is a member of the American College of Surgeons, Dallas Medical Society, American Society of Breast Surgeons, American Society of Breast Disease and American Society of Clinical Oncology. Dr. Iyengar is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Subareolar Abscess. Her top areas of expertise are Breast Cancer, Paget Disease of the Breast, Inflammatory Breast Cancer, Intraductal Papilloma, and Lymphadenectomy.
Texas Health Surgical Specialists
Dr. Walton Taylor is a general surgeon specializing in the care of patients with breast cancer and melanoma. He also performs general surgeries, including robotic and laparoscopic procedures.Dr. Taylor grew up in Dallas, Texas. He received his undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University and attended medical school at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. After completing medical school, he returned to Dallas to complete his residency at UT Southwestern.Dr. Taylor is a former President of the American Society of Breast Surgeons. During his term as president, he oversaw the development of national guidelines for genetic testing and mammography. He continues to speak nationally on breast cancer, genetics, melanoma, and genomic testing.An active educator for fellow health care professionals, Dr. Taylor serves on Continuing Medical Education committees for the Texas Medical Association, the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education, and is a member of Texas Health Physician Group's Board of Trustees and Credentialing Committee. He also aids in developing educational tools for surgeons.Dr. Taylor describes his patient-centered approach to practice with clarity and conviction. Our practice philosophy is to put patients first. We work to give next-day results to patients and provide easy access to our providers and medical staff. I give my personal cell phone number to every patient so they can contact me directly with any urgent needs or questions. We do not see patients as their medical condition, but rather we see them as people with their own unique circumstances. We are here to treat the whole person and not just focus on the medical problem. Our goal is to treat the condition and make the process as smooth as possible."". Dr. Taylor is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Subareolar Abscess. His top areas of expertise are Breast Cancer, Paget Disease of the Breast, Angiosarcoma, and Melanoma.
Breast Associates Of Texas
"Dr. Amelia Tower is a board-certified general surgeon with advanced training in breast surgical oncology. She is also certified to perform Hidden Scar breast cancer surgery, a technique that promotes reduced scarring and optimal healing. Since 2013, Dr. Tower has cultivated clinical and academic experience in the latest and most advanced surgical techniques for the treatment of benign and malignant breast diseases. Additionally, she has built a reputation of initiating and restructuring successful breast surgical oncology programs at the hospital and service line levels. Dr. Tower is committed to achieving the best possible outcome for each patient by developing individualized, multidisciplinary breast health and cancer care.Patient Testimonials</h5>WATCH NOW:</h5>Texas Health Breast Specialists Patient Testimonial - Liz Pettis</a>WATCH NOW:</h5>Texas Health Breast Specialists Patient Testimonial - Bobbi Berg</a>". Dr. Tower is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Subareolar Abscess. Her top areas of expertise are Breast Cancer, Paget Disease of the Breast, Angiosarcoma, Inflammatory Breast Cancer, and Lymphadenectomy.
The outlook is good after the abscess is drained.
Subareolar abscess may return until the affected gland is surgically removed. Any infection in a female who is not nursing has the potential to be due to a rare form of breast cancer. You may need to have a biopsy or other tests if standard treatment fails.
Contact your provider if you develop a painful lump under your nipple or areola. It is very important to have your provider evaluate any breast mass.
Published Date: October 17, 2024
Published By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Klimberg VS, Hunt KK. Diseases of the breast. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 21st ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2022:chap 35.
Matalkah AM, Grobmyer SR. Mastitis and breast abscess. In: Klimberg VS, Gradishar WJ, Bland KI, Korourian S, White J, Copeland EM, eds. Bland and Copeland's The Breast: Comprehensive Management of Benign and Malignant Diseases. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 15.
Mohsin SK, Dabbs DJ. Infections of the breast. In: Dabbs DJ, ed. Breast Pathology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 3.


