Introduction and Context
Infectious and inflammatory breast conditions affect thousands annually yet suffer from inconsistent management. The 2025 joint guidelines by the American Society of Breast Surgeons, Society of Breast Imaging, and College of American Pathology address critical gaps in evidence-based protocols. Driven by rising antibiotic resistance and unnecessary surgeries, these recommendations standardize care for three complex conditions: lactational mastitis (LM), granulomatous mastitis (GM), and periductal mastitis with squamous metaplasia of lactiferous ducts (PDM-SMOLD).
