Index Title: RROQUE’s Medical anecdotal Report [04-1]

MAR Title: Needle Aspiration A changing Trend for Breast Abscess Management? (April 2004)

Date of Medical Observation: April 9, 2004 

Narration:

            A 23 year old female from Navotas came to the ER with a tender swollen Right breast lump accompanied with low to moderate grade fever. After a thorough history and physical examination, which revealed a 2 x 3 cm cystic, tender, erythematous periareolar mass on the right breast. My primary diagnosis was benign breast mass probably an abscess formation. I immediately processed her admitting papers and advised IV antibiotics. In that instance, one of my co-residents suggested needle aspiration apart from my premeditated incision and drainage. I hesitantly welcomed the idea and performed aspiration of the abscess. I have aspirated about 12 cc of yellowish purulent material and started on oral antibiotics.

            A week after on her follow up, her abscess was reduced to a negligible induration, without pain nor discharge. There was a complete regression of the erythema. No complications were noted and she was very satisfied of not being admitted in the confines of the hospital in which she was afraid of. 

Insights (discovery, STIMULUS, reinforcement):

            New data and clinical information changes thru time and is vastly available in the archives and search engines of the internet. Processing and proper synthesis of such available data is required for every health care physician-surgeon and applying this discoveries to his/her present clinical practice. Is aspiration of breast abscess really an acceptable option? To what size do we recommend this option?  

            Besides a health care provider, our clinical practice has limitless horizons for gathering data, interpreting this data to improve our service, competence and eagerness to learn the new frontiers of science.

    Knowledge and wisdom to infinity and beyond.