Is duct ectasia mastitis?

Mammary duct ectasia is a noncancerous breast condition causing inflammation (swelling) and a thickening of the milk ducts. It is also known as duct ectasia or periductal mastitis.

What is chronic periductal mastitis?

Periductal mastitis (PDM) is histopathologically defined as a chronic inflammation of the breast, with dilation of the mammary duct, plasma cell infiltration, and abscess formation. A variety of different terms, including mammary ductal ectasia and plasma cell mastitis, have been used for this condition [1. K.

What is mild duct ectasia?

Duct ectasia, also known as mammary duct ectasia, is a benign (non-cancerous) breast condition that occurs when a milk duct in the breast widens and its walls thicken. This can cause the duct to become blocked and lead to fluid build-up. It’s more common in women who are getting close to menopause.

How do you get rid of ectasia ducts?

To relieve discomfort associated with mammary duct ectasia, you might try these self-care measures:

Apply warm compresses. A warm compress applied to your nipple and surrounding area may soothe painful breast tissue.
Use breast pads for nipple discharge.
Wear a support bra.
Sleep on the opposite side.
Stop smoking.

Can duct ectasia come back?

Duct ectasia often clears up on its own without any treatment. Try not to squeeze the affected nipple. This can lead to more fluid production.

How common is duct ectasia?

Sometimes a fluid is produced that can collect in the widened ducts. Evidence suggests that duct ectasia is more common in smokers, although the exact reason for this is unknown. Men can also get duct ectasia, but this is very rare.

What is Periductal mastitis?

Periductal mastitis develops when a breast duct beneath the nipple becomes infected or inflamed. It typically occurs with a younger age group than mammary duct ectasia, but the main difference between periductal mastitis and duct ectasia is that the mass develops ‘ around ‘ the nipple, rather than ‘ behind ‘.

Should I worry about mammary duct ectasia and periductal mastisis?

If symptoms persist, you may need antibiotics or possibly surgery to remove the affected milk duct. Though it’s normal to worry about any changes in your breasts, mammary duct ectasia and periductal mastisis aren’t risk factors for breast cancer.

What are the complications of ectasia of the breast?

Complications. Breast discomfort. Mammary duct ectasia can cause redness, swelling and tenderness around your nipples. Infection. A bacterial infection (periductal mastitis) may develop in the affected milk duct, sometimes causing pain in or around the nipple, a general feeling of illness (malaise) or a fever.

Does periductal mastisis go away on its own?

The condition sometimes improves without treatment. If symptoms persist, you may need antibiotics or possibly surgery to remove the affected milk duct. Though it’s normal to worry about any changes in your breasts, mammary duct ectasia and periductal mastisis aren’t risk factors for breast cancer.