appearance of a white spot at the end of the nipple
is usually about 1 mm in diameter
overgrowth of epithelium (which forms a blister), or an accumulation of fatty or particulate material is considered to be the cause
can be very painful during suckling
removal of the white spot by use of a sterile needle or rubbing with a towel results in quick relief of the obstruction (1)
galactocoele
is a milk filled cyst which presents as smooth rounded swelling in the breast
initially the cyst is filled with pure milk and later with the absorption of fluid it becomes thicker creamy
there can be a milky fluid discharge if the swelling is pressed
diagnosis is made by aspiration or ultrasound o milk may be aspirated but repeated aspirations may be needed as the cyst usually fills up again after some days
surgical removal of a galactocoele under local anaesthesia can be carried out (1)
Reference:
1. World Health Organisation (WHO) 2000. Mastitis. Causes and management
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