Mammary Duct Ectasia Flashcards
1
Q
What is mammary duct ectasia?
A
Dilation and shortening of the major lactiferous ducts.
2
Q
Who most commonly presents with mammary duct ectasia?
A
Peri-menopausal women
40% of women having significant duct dilatation by 70yrs
3
Q
How does duct ectasia usually present?
A
- Coloured green/yellow nipple discharge
- Palpable mass
- Nipple retraction
4
Q
What investigations can be used to identify duct ectasia?
A
- Mammography
* Dilated calcified ducts seen without any other features of malignancy.
If biopsied, the mass typically contains multiple plasma cells on histology - often referred to as ‘plasma cell mastitis’.
5
Q
How is duct ectasia managed?
A
- Managed conservatively
Unless radiological findings cannot exclude malignancy.
- Duct excision
For patients with unremitting nipple discharge
