Causes and risk factors
Exact cause of mammary duct ectasia is not known. It is caused by dilatation of major ducts in subareolar region. The duct contains eosinophilic granular secretions and foamy histiocytes. The secretions undergo calcification and leads to blockage. Risk factors for developing this condition are women of peri or post menopausal age group, smoking, breast changes due to ageing, nipple inversion.
Clinical presentation
Many times patient is asymptomatic. Signs and symptoms such as discharge of dirty white or greenish colour from nipple, tenderness in the nipple or surrounding breast tissue, inverted nipple, lump in the breast are seen. Mastitis i.e. infection in the breast may develop causing inflammation and fever. Mastalgia i.e. pain in breast is experienced.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and Clinical examination by the doctor helps in diagnosis. USG of nipple and areola is done. Mammography is recommended in some cases.
Treatment
No treatment is required for asymptomatic patients. Medical treatment involves antibiotic course. If this treatment fails surgical excision of the affected duct may be required.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating mammary duct ectasia. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly the ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are also found to be effective in treating mammary duct ectasia.
