An abscess is a localized collection of pus walled off within tissue, formed as a consequence of infection or inflammation when the body confines invading organisms or irritants. It develops as neutrophils accumulate at the site, releasing enzymes that liquefy tissue to create a cavity filled with pus, while surroun…
An abscess is a localized collection of pus walled off within tissue, formed as a consequence of infection or inflammation when the body confines invading organisms or irritants. It develops as neutrophils accumulate at the site, releasing enzymes that liquefy tissue to create a cavity filled with pus, while surrounding tissue forms a fibrous capsule that limits spread but also impairs the access of immune cells and antibiotics. Abscesses most commonly result from bacterial infection, including staphylococci and streptococci as well as mixed and anaerobic flora, and can also follow fungal, parasitic, or actinomycotic infection. They occur in many sites, ranging from superficial skin and soft-tissue abscesses to deeper collections involving the breast, surgical wounds, abdominal and pelvic organs, bone, dental and periapical structures, and intracranial or pituitary regions. Presentation reflects location, typically with pain, swelling, redness, and warmth superficially, or with fever, systemic signs, and organ-specific symptoms when deep, and chronic or granulomatous forms may mimic tumors. Diagnosis relies on clinical assessment supported by imaging such as ultrasound, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging to define size and extent, with aspiration or culture identifying the causative organism. The cornerstone of treatment is drainage of the collection, surgical or image-guided, combined with appropriate antibiotics and management of any predisposing condition, since antibiotics alone rarely resolve an established abscess.
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