Subareolar abscess most commonly occurs in which population?

Subareolar abscess most commonly occurs in which population?

• A. Young or middle-aged women who are not lactating
• B. Postmenopausal women
• C. Men
• D. Adolescent girls

Answer: (A)

Subareolar abscess is a nonlactational inflammatory disease of the subareolar ducts. It most commonly affects young to middle-aged women who are not lactating. The typical mechanism involves periductal mastitis with duct ectasia and squamous metaplasia of the duct lining, leading to keratin plugging and secondary infection. This pattern fits nonlactating breasts and is often linked to risk factors like smoking. Lactational abscesses occur in breastfeeding women, while postmenopausal women and adolescent girls are less frequently impacted by this nonlactational form.

Subareolar abscess is a nonlactational inflammatory disease of the subareolar ducts. It most commonly affects young to middle-aged women who are not lactating. The typical mechanism involves periductal mastitis with duct ectasia and squamous metaplasia of the duct lining, leading to keratin plugging and secondary infection. This pattern fits nonlactating breasts and is often linked to risk factors like smoking. Lactational abscesses occur in breastfeeding women, while postmenopausal women and adolescent girls are less frequently impacted by this nonlactational form.