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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staff
Although mammary duct ectasia often doesn't cause signs and symptoms, you may experience:
- A dirty white, greenish or black nipple discharge
- Discharge from one or both nipples
- Tenderness in the nipple or surrounding breast tissue
- Redness
- A lump or thickening
- An inverted nipple
A bacterial infection called mastitis also may develop in the affected milk duct and cause inflammation in the area around the nipple (areola) and fever. Signs and symptoms of mammary duct ectasia usually improve on their own.
When to see a doctor
Although mammary duct ectasia is not a sign of breast cancer, it's important for your doctor to promptly evaluate any changes in your breasts. If you have symptoms of mammary duct ectasia — especially unusual nipple discharge — make an appointment with your doctor for an evaluation. Your doctor will ask you some questions and perform a physical exam.
- Non-cancerous breast conditions. American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_6X_Non_Cancerous_Breast_Conditions_59.asp?sitearea=CRI&viewmode=print&. Accessed May 14, 2010.
- Hari S, et al. Bilateral severe mammary duct ectasia. Acta Radiologica. 2007;48:398.
- Understanding breast changes: A health guide for women. National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/understanding-breast-changes. Accessed May 14, 2010.
- Rosen PP. Inflammatory and reactive tumors. In: Rosen PP. Rosen's Breast Pathology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2009:33.
- Guray M, et al. Benign breast diseases: Classification, diagnosis, and management. The Oncologist. 2006;11:435.
- Santen RJ, et al. Benign breast disorders. New England Journal of Medicine. 2005;353:275.
- Miltenberg DM, et al. Benign breast disease. Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America. 2008;35:285.
- Pruthi SP (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 19, 2010.
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