Duct Ectasia

Duct Ectasia Women’s Clinic

What is duct ectasia?

The breasts are made up of lobules (milk-producing glands) and ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple), which are surrounded by fatty tissues and supportive tissues. As women reach menopause stage and the breast ages, the ducts behind the nipple gets shorter and wider. This process is called ectasia.

It is a normal progress in breast change and there is no cause for concern.

Sometimes secretion may collect in the widened ducts and their lining can become irritated. It is also possible for the lining to become ulcerated and painful though this is not common.

This condition, which is benign (non-cancerous), is called duct ectasia.

Duct estasia can also result in discharge from the nipple, which is usually thick and viscous but may

also be diluted. It can vary in colour and can be bloodstained or clear.

Sometimes a lump can be felt behind the nipple, or the tissue behind the nipple can become scarred. As the ducts shorten, it can pull the nipple inwards eventually causing it to become inverted.

Diagnosis After the breast examination your doctor would likely order a mammogram (breast x-ray) and/ or ultrasound scan (which creates an image of the breast using high -frequency sound waves) to reach a definite diagnosis.

If you have discharge from the nipple, especially if it is bloodstained, this may also be tested to help confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment In most cases, treatment is not required for duct ectasia as it is a normal part of ageing, which clears up naturally.

However, if you continue to have troublesome discharges from the

nipple, you may need to have an operation. There are two forms of surgery - microdochectomy to remove the affected duct and the Hadfield’s procedure to remove all the major ducts.

The operation is done under general anaesthesia, following which you will need to remain in hospital for the day or night. You can expect a small wound near the areola (darker area of skin around the nipple) with stitches in it. Your doctor will inform you of the appropriate care needed for the wound.

If your breast feels painful after the operation you may wish to take painkillers such as Paracetamol. The operation will leave a small scar that will fade over time.

What does this means to you?

Having duct ectasia does not increase your risk of breast cancer. however, it is still important to be breast aware by routinely examining your breasts. Consult your doctor if you notice any abnormal changes in your breasts.

Yishun Health is a network of medical institutions and health facilities in the north of Singapore, under the National Healthcare Group.

Admiralty Medical Centre • (65) 6807 8000 • www.admiraltymedicalcentre.com.sg Khoo Teck Puat Hospital • (65) 6555 8000 • www.ktph.com.sg Yishun Community Hospital • (65) 6807 8800 • www.yishuncommunityhospital.com.sg The information is correct at the time of printing and subject to revision without further notice.

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