Primary periareolar abscess in the nonlactating breast: risk of recurrence.

The estimated probability of relapse of primary periareolar abscess of the nonlactating breast was 38 percent (95 percent confidence interval 18 to 58 percent) 8 years after simple incision and healing by granulation. Relapses were mainly fistulas in the line of incision. An attempt to identify relapses early was unsuccessful. This finding, in combination with the unsatisfactory results of simple incision and healing by granulation and the character of relapses, suggests improper initial operation and multifactorial causes. Initial incision followed by a search for a possible sinus tract and extensive excision in all patients with primary abscesses has been described and is recommended.