Mammary duct ectasia (duct ectasia)

Discomfort in the nipple area, the appearance of atypical discharge, or a lump under the areola — these are symptoms that should not be ignored. They may indicate changes in the tissues of the mammary gland, in particular duct ectasia of the mammary gland or other diseases that require medical evaluation.

A timely consultation with a mammologist helps to determine the cause of the symptoms and choose the optimal treatment option. At the medical center “Oxford Medical” in Kyiv, patients can undergo comprehensive diagnostics and receive individual recommendations for treatment. To make an appointment, contact by phone or leave a request for a callback.

The development of ectasia of the milk ducts of the mammary gland is usually associated with a complex of factors that affect the structure and elasticity of the ducts. In most cases, it is not about one specific cause, but about gradual changes that occur with age. In particular, during the period of premenopause and menopause, there is a decrease in estrogen levels, the tissues of the mammary gland undergo involutive changes, and the walls of the ducts may lose tone and elasticity.

Other factors that may contribute to the development of the process include:

• periductal inflammatory processes;
• previous periductal mastitis;
• recurrent infectious lesions;
• injuries of the mammary gland;
• scar changes around the ducts.

As a result of these changes, the normal outflow of secretion is disrupted, which may maintain the inflammatory process and the progression of duct ectasia.

It should be noted that dilated milk ducts of the mammary gland during breastfeeding are a physiological phenomenon. After the completion of lactation, their diameter usually returns to normal and is not considered a pathology.

In some women, the disease may not cause pronounced symptoms for a long time and may be detected only during examination. In other cases, the symptoms gradually increase or appear periodically.

Discharge may appear spontaneously or when pressing on the nipple. Their color and thickness depend on the nature of the changes in the ducts. If an inflammatory process develops, swelling in the nipple area, redness of the skin, and increased pain are possible.

Any atypical discharge or changes in the shape of the nipple require a consultation with a doctor. Even if the symptoms are minor, it is important to undergo an examination in order to determine the cause of the changes and exclude other diseases of the mammary gland.

Ectasia of the ducts of the mammary gland requires timely treatment and observation. If the inflammatory process is not controlled, it may progress and lead to complications.

Possible complications:

• inflammation of the tissues around the ducts;
• periductal mastitis;
• painful induration in the area of the areola;
• formation of an abscess;
• cicatricial changes and persistent nipple retraction.

Timely selected therapy allows eliminating inflammation, reducing symptoms and preventing the development of such conditions. Consulting a doctor at the first manifestations of the disease helps to control the process and preserve the health of the mammary gland.

The first stage is a consultation with a mammologist. The doctor clarifies the nature of complaints, the duration of symptoms, conducts examination and palpation of the mammary glands, evaluates the condition of the nipple and areola. After that, determines which examinations are necessary to establish an accurate diagnosis.

According to indications, the following may be prescribed:

• Ultrasound of the mammary glands — allows detecting dilated milk ducts, assessing their diameter, wall thickness and the presence of contents in the lumen;
• mammography — recommended for women over 40 years of age or in the presence of changes requiring additional evaluation;
• cytological examination of nipple discharge — helps to assess the cellular composition of the secretion;
• MRI of the mammary glands, ductography or biopsy — are used to уточнення the nature of changes and exclusion of intraductal formations.

Comprehensive diagnostics allows confirming duct ectasia, assessing the severity of changes and excluding intraductal formations or malignant processes.

The therapy plan is developed individually. The goal of therapy — to eliminate inflammation, reduce or remove discharge and discomfort, and also to prevent recurrent exacerbations.

If the condition is not accompanied by complications, treatment is usually started with medication therapy. It may include:

• anti-inflammatory drugs — to reduce inflammation, soreness and swelling in the area of the areola;
• antibacterial therapy — if there are signs of an infectious process;
• correction of the hormonal background — if during the examination hormonal disorders are detected that may support changes in the mammary gland.

If medication therapy does not give the expected result, the symptoms persist or recur, as well as in the presence of persistent pathological discharge or painful induration under the areola, surgical treatment is considered.

The operation involves removal of the altered milk ducts within the affected area. The extent of intervention is determined individually — depending on the localization of the process and the results of the examination. The removed tissues are mandatorily sent for histological examination.

At the «Oxford Medical» clinic, treatment is carried out taking into account the individual characteristics of each patient. Appointments are conducted by experienced mammologists, modern diagnostic equipment is used, and if necessary, surgical intervention is performed in a high-tech surgical inpatient department in compliance with modern safety standards. In our clinic you can receive all medical services — from consultation and diagnostics to treatment and further observation.