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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staff
Although mammary duct ectasia often doesn't cause signs and symptoms, some women may experience:
- A dirty white, greenish or black nipple discharge
- Nipple 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 such as 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, make an appointment with your doctor for an evaluation. Your doctor will ask you some questions and perform a physical exam.
