Day Care Surgical Management of Post FNAC Breast Abscess: A Case Report

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) is a simple, minimally invasive, and widely used diagnostic technique for evaluating breast lesions. It is generally considered a safe procedure with a low complication rate. However, on rare occasions, unexpected adverse events such as abscess formation can occur. Here, the authors report the case of a 67-year-old woman who developed a retroareolar abscess following FNAC of the breast. The patient developed pain, redness, and swelling at the aspiration site a few days after the procedure. The clinical examination confirmed a tender, fluctuant swelling suggestive of an abscess. She was managed successfully with Incision and Drainage (I&D) under local anaesthesia in a day care setting, which allowed rapid treatment and recovery without the need for hospital admission. Pus obtained during drainage was sent for culture and sensitivity testing, which grew Staphylococcus aureus. Based on these findings, the patient was treated with an appropriate course of oral antibiotics. She showed excellent clinical improvement, with complete resolution of the infection and satisfactory wound healing on follow-up. The present case highlights that, although FNAC is generally safe, clinicians should remain aware of potential but uncommon complications such as abscess formation. Prompt recognition and early intervention are essential for favourable outcomes. The current case also demonstrates that such infections can be effectively managed with simple day care surgical procedures, minimising patient discomfort, hospital stay, and cost. Awareness of these rare complications ensures timely management and reinforces patient safety in routine diagnostic practice.