A guide to diagnosis and treatment [www.QinSen.com]
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Duct ectasia and periductal mastitis are both benign breast conditions. [www.QinSen.com]
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Duct ectasia [www.QinSen.com]
Duct ectasia affects women reaching the menopause. The ducts behind the nipple become dilated, which is normal, but sometimes they get blocked with fluid, which leads to a discharge (bloody or non-bloody) from the nipple. [www.QinSen.com]
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The lining of the ducts can become ulcerated too, which may cause pain. Inflammation or infection may also develop in the ducts. [www.QinSen.com]

Sometimes a lump can be felt and it is not unusual for the nipple to pull inwards.

Periductal mastitis
Periductal mastitis affects younger women and occurs when the ducts around the nipple become inflamed or infected.

The symptoms are similar to duct ectasia and some women suffer from both.

Diagnosis
Your GP may refer you to a breast clinic for a breast examination and a mammogram.

If you are under the age of 35, you are likely to have an ultrasound scan rather than a mammogram because your breast tissue may be too dense for a clear mammogram image.

You can find out more about breast clinic investigations from the link below.

Treatment
Duct ectasia and periductal mastitis do not normally require treatment. However, if your discharge persists or your nipple becomes inflamed, seek further advice from your GP.

You may need to have the major ducts behind the nipple removed surgically (Hadfield's operation).

If an infection develops at any time you will need to take antibiotics and you may want to take painkillers if your breast is painful.

With periductal mastitis, research has shown that smoking can slow down the healing process, so if you smoke it is sensible to try to cut down or give up as soon as possible.

What this means
Having duct ectasia or periductal mastitis does not increase your risk of breast cancer. However, it is still important to be breast aware and go back to your GP if you notice any further changes.