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SURGICAL WEBSITES             KIDNEY SURGERY         POSTGRADUATE SURGERY LINKS 

BREAST DISEASE     Breast cancer Breast lump Breast awareness Breast calcifications  Breast cysts Breast pain Duct ectasia Fat necrosis Fibroadenoma Hyperplasia Intraductal papilloma Phyllodes tumour Sclerosing adenosis                                                                                                                                                 

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CHOLECYSTECTOMY    Introduction   Historical Review  Anatomy of Gallbladder Physiology of Gallbladder Physiologic effects of pneumoperitoneum Pathology  of Gallbladder Investigations Pre- operative preparation of laparoscopic cholecystectomy Contraindications  Treatment modalities for gallstones.  Anaesthesia                                                                                                                       

INGUINAL HERNIA    HOW SURGICAL OPERATION IS DONE     THYROID EXAMINATION MANAGEMENT OF SEVERELY INJURED PATIENT      SEPSIS AND MULTIPLE ORGAN FAILURE CHEST TRAUMA     BRONCHOGENIC CARCINOMA     TETANUS AND ANAEROBIC INFECTIONS 

Duct ectasia and periductal mastitis

This page is for women who have duct ectasia or periductal mastitis, which are benign (non-cancerous) breast conditions. It explains what these conditions are and how they are diagnosed and treated. Being diagnosed with duct ectasia or periductal mastitis can cause worry and anxiety. We hope the information will help you understand your condition and reassure you.

What are duct ectasia and periductal mastitis?

Duct ectasia affects women reaching the menopause. The ducts behind the nipple become dilated (ectasia) and this is a normal breast change. Sometimes, however, fluid collects in the ducts and they can get blocked. At the same time the lining of the ducts can become ulcerated, which may cause pain. It can also lead to a discharge (non-bloody or bloody) from the nipple. Inflammation or infection may also develop in the ducts.

Sometimes you may be able to feel a lump behind the nipple or the tissue behind the nipple becomes scarred, which can eventually pull the nipple inwards (inverted).

Periductal mastitis affects younger women. It happens when the ducts around the nipple become inflamed or infected. The symptoms are similar to duct ectasia.

Diagnosis

To make a diagnosis you will have a breast examination and a mammogram (breast x-ray) at the breast clinic. If you are under the age of 35 you are likely to have an ultrasound scan rather than a mammogram. This is because younger women's breast tissue is too dense to give a good mammographic image.

Sometimes the discharge may also be tested (especially if it is bloodstained).

Treatment

Most women with duct ectasia or periductal mastitis do not need any specific treatment, but it is important to go back to your GP if you have any new symptoms.

If you have a persistent discharge and/or there is inflammation around the nipple you may need to have an operation to remove the major ducts behind the nipple. This is usually an operation known as a Hadfield's operation. You may be in hospital just for the day, or overnight, and you will have a small wound near the areola (darker area of skin around the nipple) with a stitch or stitches in it. After this operation your nipple may be less sensitive than before. The operation should solve the problem, but if it recurs more ducts may need to be removed.

If an infection develops at any time you will need to take antibiotics and you may want to take painkillers such as paracetomol if your breast is painful. 

With periductal mastitis, research has shown that smoking can slow down the healing process, so if you smoke you may be advised to stop. 

What this means for you

You may feel anxious about what having duct ectasia or periductal mastitis means for you. On the one hand you may be relieved that it is a benign condition, but you may still worry about breast cancer. Having duct ectasia or periductal mastitis does not increase your risk of breast cancer, but it is still important to be breast aware and go back to your GP if you notice any further changes.