DUCT ECTASIA (PERIDUCTAL MASTITIS/ PLASMA CELL MASTITIS)

• Duct ectasia is dilatation of lactiferous ducts due to muscular relaxation of duct wall with periductal mastitis.
• Many ducts are involved.

ETIOLOGY-

• Desquamated cells causing obstruction
• Common in smokers
• Mild to low grade infection

PATHOLOGY-

• Dilatation of larger lactiferous ducts filled with stagnant brown or green secretion.

CLINICAL FEATURES-

• Seen in middle aged woman
• Discharge from nipple (paste like)
• Indurated mass under aerola which is tender
• Bilateral slit like nipple retraction
• Palpable subareolar mass

INVESTIGATIONS-

• Ductography- dilated cystic structure
• Carcinoma must be excluded
• FNAC confirms diagnosis

TREATMENT-

• Stop smoking
• Hadfield’s operation- excision of all major ducts
• Antibiotics- amoxiclav and metronidazole