PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

What term describes the presence of a tender, fluctuating mass in the breast?

1. Duct ectasia

2. Abscess

3. Mastitis

4. Cyst

The correct answer is: Abscess

The term that accurately describes the presence of a tender, fluctuating mass in the breast is an abscess. An abscess is a localized collection of pus that occurs when bacteria infect tissue, leading to inflammation and tissue necrosis. In the breast, this typically presents as a painful, swollen area that may feel warm to the touch and can fluctuate in consistency due to the presence of pus. In contrast, duct ectasia refers to a condition where a milk duct beneath the nipple dilates, fills with fluid, and potentially thickens or gets blocked, but it is not characterized primarily by a fluctuating mass. Mastitis involves inflammation of breast tissue, which can lead to infection and may create a painful area, but it does not always present as a distinct mass or fluctuating fluid. A cyst, while it can also create a mass feeling in the breast, is usually a fluid-filled sac that might not always be tender or fluctuating compared to an abscess. Thus, an abscess is the most fitting term for the scenario described.