Dilated mammary duct

Progressive dilated milk duct is not a very common, but quite dangerous condition. Inflammation easily begins in dilated ducts, various bacteria and pathogens accumulate in them, painful discharge from the mammary glands appears.

This phenomenon is more often observed in patients of pre-menopausal age, as well as during pregnancy and breastfeeding - in such cases, expansion is considered a natural phenomenon. However, sometimes it can also indicate the initial stage of development of some breast diseases. We will tell you about the causes and possible treatment in this article.

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Causes of a dilated mammary duct

The reasons for this diagnosis must be sought in the change in the balance of hormones within the female body, therefore the incidence of the disease is higher during menopause and in the early stages of the climacteric period.

In addition, natural dilation of the ducts may occur:

• during pregnancy and lactation;
• during hormonal changes in the second phase of the monthly cycle.

The last listed reasons are considered a natural physiological process in the female body. For this reason, it is advisable to conduct an ultrasound examination of the breast no later than the sixth to tenth day of the monthly cycle.

In pregnant and lactating women, dilated mammary ducts are in most cases a natural phenomenon that does not require any treatment.

Dilated ducts are considered a pathology in the presence of an inflammatory reaction in the nipple area, with the appearance of cracks in the nipples and areola, and with intraductal mastitis.

Locally dilated mammary duct is observed against the background of fibrocystic (nodular or diffuse) mastopathy, when papillary growths form inside the duct.

However, the pathogenesis and some aspects of the etiology of dilated ducts remain unexplored, there is no systematization of this disorder, and a clear pathogenetic connection between the state of hormonal dysfunction and the occurrence of intraductal dilation has not been proven. Moreover, most specialists do not classify dilation of the ducts as a disease - usually it is just a sign that is used to describe the results of an ultrasound examination of the breast.

Symptoms of a dilated mammary duct

Typically, the following symptoms indicate possible dilation of the ducts:

• the appearance of discharge from the ducts;
• a feeling of pain in the mammary glands;
• swelling, hyperemia in the areola area;
• itching sensation in the nipple area;
• nipple retraction.

The first signs of the disorder may appear at different periods of a woman's life. Usually, the following symptoms may indicate the presence of dilation:

• a feeling of constant discomfort in the chest area, mainly closer to the nipple area;
• discharge from the nipples, and in advanced cases – signs of intraductal inflammation;
• slight painful sensations (not always).

If such symptoms appear, you should consult a doctor for a more thorough diagnosis.

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Forms

ICD 10 code:

• N00-N99 – diseases of the genitourinary system;
• N60-N64 – diseases of the mammary glands;
• N60 – benign course of mammary gland dysplasia;
• N60.4 – dilated mammary duct.

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Complications and consequences

The dilated duct itself is not dangerous, but requires constant monitoring. Therefore, regular visits to a mammologist with ultrasound or mammography are mandatory.

If this symptom is ignored, various not entirely pleasant complications may arise:

• mastopathy, mastitis - develop as a result of infection entering the dilated ducts;
• ectasia is a process in which the dilation begins to progress, eventually causing inflammatory reactions and the appearance of pathological discharge from the nipples;
• development of cysts is a pathology characterized by the fact that in the expanded lumen of the ducts there is an accumulation of secretions, which take the form of a capsule and are subsequently transformed into a cyst;
• The development of papillomas is a dangerous process, reminiscent of the formation of cysts, which, however, can subsequently become malignant (malignantly degenerate).

It is because of the possible occurrence of additional diseases that an enlarged duct requires constant monitoring by a specialist in order to promptly identify and treat the pathology that has arisen.

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Diagnostics of a dilated mammary duct

Diagnosis is made primarily based on the existing symptoms:

• the patient complains of discomfort and minor pain;
• the nipple may be retracted (when the areola is clamped between two fingers, the nipple is hidden inside);
• There is slight swelling around the nipple, redness, and discharge may be present.

Further, additional diagnostic methods may be prescribed to clarify the diagnosis:

• tests (examination of secretions from ducts, blood test for hormonal status);
• Instrumental diagnostics (ultrasound, ductography, mammography);
• Immunohistochemical analysis of a glandular tissue element.

The latter test is an examination of a small element of a biopsy (or material removed during surgery) that is performed to rule out malignancy.

If the ultrasound of the mammary glands shows dilated ducts, this is not yet a cause for concern. Normally, the ducts should be about 0.5-1 mm, a slight dilation is allowed during the lactation period, after the lactation period, before the onset of menopause. In other cases, a dilated duct also does not yet indicate any pathology, but may only indicate a tendency to its occurrence.

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Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnosis is carried out with diseases such as intraductal papilloma, breast cancer, mastitis and mastopathy.

Treatment of a dilated mammary duct

Since dilation of milk ducts is not considered a pathology as such, conservative and especially surgical treatment is not necessary. However, attention should be paid to the causes of this condition and concomitant diseases of the reproductive system.

For example, if during an ultrasound examination the doctor has detected a pronounced widening of the lumen in the ducts, then, first of all, it is important to check the state of hormones in the body. The doctor will analyze the level of prolactin, estrogen and thyroid hormones, after which he can prescribe treatment aimed at normalizing the hormonal balance.

If the reasons for the increase in the diameter of the ducts are inflammatory reactions, and the tests indicate the presence of an infection, then antibiotic therapy is prescribed. Often, such treatment is carried out against the background of anti-inflammatory, immunocorrective and general strengthening treatment.

If the dilation is associated with age-related changes in the body, then a wait-and-see approach is used - the doctor monitors the condition of the epithelial tissue lining the milk ducts, monitors the appearance of discharge and other symptoms. If an inflammatory process develops, then most often they resort to surgical intervention.

Intraductal cystic formations are not removed in most cases. Surgical treatment is indicated only if there is a malignant process or the cyst appears in the same place repeatedly.

A diagnosed papilloma is usually removed due to the high probability of the tumor becoming malignant.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic preparations are used not so much for treatment as for prevention of complications during expansion of milk ducts. The decision on the advisability of prescribing homeopathic remedies is made only by a doctor, based on the results of tests and studies.

• Cyclodinone is a drug that normalizes the level of sex hormones, restores the amount of prolactin, which simultaneously has a positive effect on the condition of the mammary gland.
• Mastodinon is a herbal preparation that normalizes prolactin production, thereby stopping the development of diffuse forms of mastopathy.
• Viburkol is a remedy that eliminates pain, inflammation, spasms, including in the reproductive system.
• Ginekokhel is a complex herbal preparation that normalizes the functional capacity of the female reproductive system. It is used for infectious and inflammatory processes in the reproductive system, for age-related and other disorders of the monthly cycle.
• Dysmenorm is a complex homeopathic remedy that eliminates hormonal dysfunction in women of any age. Normalizes the ratio of estrogen and progesterone.
• Klimaktoplan is a homeopathic preparation used in the pre-climacteric and climacteric periods. It stabilizes the hormonal level in the adrenal cortex, pituitary gland and appendages.

Folk remedies

Unfortunately, no herbal treatment will help get rid of the already formed dilation of the ducts. However, folk remedies can prevent the occurrence of complications. What recipes can be used for breast health?

• It is recommended to apply a fresh washed burdock leaf to the mammary gland, preferably at night.
• You can take burdock juice internally – 1 tablespoon three times a day for 2 months.
• It is useful to drink tea based on herbal collection: make a mixture of equal parts of burdock rhizome, peony rhizome, leuzea and nettle leaves. You need to take 1 teaspoon of the collection per 1000 ml of boiling water, leave it overnight. Take 100 ml three times a day an hour before meals. The course of treatment is 1 month. Then, after 10 days, the course can be repeated.
• A good effect is expected from a cabbage compress: the mammary gland should be lubricated with honey and covered with a cabbage leaf, lightly beaten with a hammer beforehand.

When using traditional medicine recipes, it is important to remember simple daily methods of preventing breast diseases - regular self-examination, a complete balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

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Prevention

Preventive measures include observing hygiene standards, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and regular preventive examinations by a mammologist or gynecologist.

It is necessary to avoid trauma to the chest area, avoid physical inactivity, eat a balanced diet (strict diets and fasting do not have the best effect on the health of the reproductive system), rest more, do not overexert yourself, do not get nervous, and strengthen the immune system.

Choosing the right bra is no less important in preventing breast diseases. Ladies with large breasts and excess weight should pay special attention to this item of clothing. An illiterately chosen shape and size of a bra can provoke deformation of the mammary gland and disruption of blood circulation in it.

At least once a month, you should conduct a self-examination of the glands. It is necessary to pay attention to any changes in shape, size, color, as well as the presence of seals. If any suspicious sign appears, you should definitely consult a doctor.

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Forecast

As we have already said above, the condition of dilated ducts itself does not pose a danger, but requires constant monitoring. Once a year, it is necessary to visit a doctor for a breast examination and a mammogram or ultrasound examination.

An enlarged milk duct is not a pathology, but a sign that requires a more attentive attitude to your health. If all measures for preventing breast diseases are observed, and a woman promptly consults a doctor at any suspicious symptoms, then the breast will remain healthy for many years.

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