Mammary duct ectasia

a review

Abstract

Ductal ectasia is a benign breast disease, histologically characterized by swollen ducts associated with periductal fibrosis and inflammation. It is more often seen in women in perimenopause. However, it may also occur in men and children. When symptomatic, it is manifested as a non-spontaneous nipple discharge, colorful, and bilateral multiductal. Many questions still remain regarding the etiopathogenesis and epidemiology of ductal ectasia. Among the risk factors, smoking is suggested as a possible causal factor. The diagnosis is clinical and treatment in most cases is traditional.