Breast Skin Conditions

The Margie Petersen Breast Center at Providence Saint John’s is renowned for its comprehensive approach to breast health, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and a multidisciplinary team of experts specializing in breast care.

When it comes to addressing breast skin and other conditions, our specialists utilize a combination of diagnostic imaging, such as mammography and ultrasound, along with other clinical evaluation methods to accurately assess and diagnose patients.

Understanding Changes in the Skin of the Breast Skin

Breast skin conditions can encompass a wide range of symptoms and manifestations, often signaling underlying issues that require medical attention. One common set of symptoms includes warmth, redness, and/or pain in the breast area. These signs may indicate inflammation, infection, or other conditions affecting the skin or deeper breast tissue. Warmth and redness suggest increased blood flow and inflammation, while pain can vary from mild discomfort to severe tenderness. Breast skin is a very delicate part of the breast, therefore signs of an underlying condition may easily present on the surface.

Additionally, dimpling or puckering of the skin can be indicative of more serious issues such as breast cancer. These changes in skin texture may be caused by the pulling of the breast tissue inward, potentially due to the presence of a tumor or underlying fibrosis. Breast swelling is another significant symptom that could point to various conditions, including infection, hormonal changes, or even lymphatic issues.

What is Mastitis?

Mastitis, in particular, is a common condition that can contribute to breast skin symptoms. It typically occurs when bacteria enter the breast tissue, often through a cracked nipple during breastfeeding. This infection leads to inflammation, causing warmth, redness, and pain in the affected breast. If left untreated, mastitis can progress and may require antibiotic therapy to resolve the infection.

For patients presenting with symptoms like warmth, redness, pain, or skin changes in the breast area, the center’s team conducts thorough examinations to determine the underlying cause. Whether it is mastitis, benign breast conditions, or potentially malignant tumors, the center offers personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs. This may involve antibiotics and supportive therapies for mastitis, or further diagnostic tests and interventions for suspicious findings.

The Margie Petersen Breast Center excels in managing various breast-related conditions, both benign and malignant. From benign breast lumps and cysts to complex cases of breast cancer, the center provides a continuum of care that is unmatched, emphasizing patient education, support services, and survivorship programs to ensure comprehensive care and optimal outcomes for all patients.