>        I have a pt in the hospital with an abscess.  I will give you a
>little history about her...The doctor aspirated
>about 40 cc's on Tuesday and another 20-25 cc's Thursday.  On Thursday
>when I saw her she had a large lump on the upper aspect of the areola and
>continued up approx 3 inches into the breast tissue.


Karen, it sounds like the abscess needs further drainage. I'm surprised she
is in hospital - is she very unwell? If the doctors are unsure what's going
on they can order a diagnostic ultrasound - the radiologist may be happy to
drain it under ultrasound control. If the doctor insists on open drainage I
would definitely like to have an ultrasound first to confirm that a
"collection" is still present.
Lisa Amir
GP / IBCLC in Melbourne, Australia