Mammary consumption

A disease of the breast that develops from a mammary node as a result of qì-blood vacuity or unsuccessful treatment. The mammary node gradually becomes as large as a bowl, is hard and painful, and spreads to the rib-side below the armpit. It becomes purple or black in color and can burst to exude in mild cases white fluid that may be malodorous. If the condition persists, postmeridian tidal heat, cough, red cheeks, marked emaciation and other signs of internal vacuity heat may be observed.