What follow-up procedure may be necessary if symptoms of lactational mastitis do not improve with treatment?

In cases of lactational mastitis where symptoms persist despite appropriate treatment, it becomes crucial to evaluate for possible complications, one of which is the formation of an abscess. An abscess can develop when the mastitis is severe or inadequately treated, leading to localized infection and accumulation of pus.

Breast ultrasound is the preferred follow-up procedure in this scenario, as it provides a safe and effective way to visualize the breast tissue and identify fluid collections indicative of an abscess. The sonographic examination helps in determining whether further intervention, such as incision and drainage, is necessary.

The other imaging modalities listed, like a CT scan of the abdomen or an MRI of the breast, are not standard procedures for evaluating mastitis or potential abscesses in this context. A biopsy of the lump is also not typically warranted at this stage; it can be considered for persistent masses or suspicious lesions that do not respond to treatment, but the immediate concern in the case of unresolved lactational mastitis is to rule out an abscess rather than diagnosing malignancy.