Mammary duct ectasia

Question 1

What is mammary duct ectasia?

Is it benign/malignant?

Answer 1

A benign condition in which there is dilation and inflammation of the breast ducts - this results in discharge

Question 2

What are the clinical features of mammary duct ectasia?

Answer 2

• Nipple discharge (may be white, grey or green) and retraction/inversion
• Mastalgia
• Breast lump

Question 3

Which group of women are most commonly affected by mammary duct ectasia?

Answer 3

Perimenopausal women

Question 4

What is a significant risk factor for developing mammary duct ectasia?

Answer 4

Smoking

Question 5

Describe the investigation of mammary duct ectasia

Answer 5

Must be investigated to exclude cancer (triple assessment)

Question 6

What key finding on mammography can suggest mammary duct ectasia?

Answer 6

Microcalcifications

Question 7

Is mammary duct ectasia associated with an increased risk of breast cancer?

Answer 7

No

Question 8

Describe the management of mammary duct ectasia

Answer 8

• Most cases are managed conservatively with reassurance (it may resolve spontaneously)
• Symptomatic management of mastalgia
• Surgical excision of affected duct may be required for problematic cases