= a benign condition in which there is dilation of the large ducts in the breasts

Inflammation in the ducts leads to intermittent discharge from the nipple

Epidemiology:

• Most frequentlt occurs in post menopausal women
• Smoking is a signficiant risk factor

PC

Mammary duct ectasia may present with:

• Nipple discharge - white, grey or green
• Tenderness or pain
• Nipple retraction or inversion
• A breast lump (pressure on the lump may produce nipple discharge)

May be asymptomatic - incidental finding on mammogram

Investigations

• Mammograms - microcalcifications (not specific)
• Ductography – contrast is injected into an abnormal duct, and mammograms are performed to visualise the duct
• Nipple discharge cytology – examining the cells in a sample of the nipple discharge
• Ductoscopy – inserting a tiny endoscope (camera) into the duct