Ectasiactorrhea Case Studies
Differential Diagnosis
Mammary duct Ectasia
Intraductal Papilloma
Galactorrhea
Mammary duct Ectasia: This condition occurs due to the dilatation of the mammary ducts. Usually, three to four ducts are affected, but often numerous ducts are compromised. Approximately, 30% to 40 % of women older than 50 years old are affected, however after the age of 60, 50% of women shows signs of duct ectasia (Rahal, De Freitas-Junior, & Paulinelli, 2005). More so, the subareolar ducts are clogged with desquamating epithelium, necrotic debris, and chronic inflammatory cells. In addition, there are periods of inflammation, and a spontaneous, sticky, multicolored nipple discharge, characterized by pain and tenderness (Dains, Baumann, & Scheibel, 2016).
Intraductal …show more content…
Galactorrhea may be caused by pituitary prolactin-secreting tumors, medications, hypothyroidism, stress, trauma, chronic renal failure, hypothalamic lesions, previous thoracotomy, and herpes zoster. However, there is breast pathology in relation to galactorrhea. Certain medications that may cause galactorrhea include estrogen and progesterone combined contraceptives, Phenothiazides, antipsychotic drugs, antidepressants, methadone, methyldopa, reserpine, verapamil, cimetidine, calcium channel blocker, and amphetamines to mention but a few (Schuilling & Likis, 2013). Unfortunately, the patient in case sanerio #1 is not on any orally medication except …show more content…
The subareolar ducts are blocked by necrotic debris, and chronic inflammatory cells which is characterized by pain, tenderness, periods of inflammation. Also, bilateral spontaneous nipple discharge, which is sticky, multicolored from multiple ducts is common, but the unilateral condition in the case scenario is concerning. Although, this condition may not contribute any malignancy (Dains, Baumann, Scheibel, 2013). Never the less, the accumulation of the mammary duct fluid from constant secretion and reabsorption especially in nonlactating women results in metaplasia of the duct and increase inflammation. In addition, smokers are at a high risk, because the toxin release from tobacco contributes to recurrent retroareolar abscess resulting in the lumen blockage. Approximately 90% of women who smoke experience recurrent retroareolar abscesses, therefore smoking cessation should be encouraged if the patient be a smoker (Rahal, et al. 2005). Obtaining a thorough medical, social, and family history is needed to prevent misdiagnosis and avoid
Mammary duct Ectasia
Intraductal Papilloma
Galactorrhea
Mammary duct Ectasia: This condition occurs due to the dilatation of the mammary ducts. Usually, three to four ducts are affected, but often numerous ducts are compromised. Approximately, 30% to 40 % of women older than 50 years old are affected, however after the age of 60, 50% of women shows signs of duct ectasia (Rahal, De Freitas-Junior, & Paulinelli, 2005). More so, the subareolar ducts are clogged with desquamating epithelium, necrotic debris, and chronic inflammatory cells. In addition, there are periods of inflammation, and a spontaneous, sticky, multicolored nipple discharge, characterized by pain and tenderness (Dains, Baumann, & Scheibel, 2016).
Intraductal …show more content…
Galactorrhea may be caused by pituitary prolactin-secreting tumors, medications, hypothyroidism, stress, trauma, chronic renal failure, hypothalamic lesions, previous thoracotomy, and herpes zoster. However, there is breast pathology in relation to galactorrhea. Certain medications that may cause galactorrhea include estrogen and progesterone combined contraceptives, Phenothiazides, antipsychotic drugs, antidepressants, methadone, methyldopa, reserpine, verapamil, cimetidine, calcium channel blocker, and amphetamines to mention but a few (Schuilling & Likis, 2013). Unfortunately, the patient in case sanerio #1 is not on any orally medication except …show more content…
The subareolar ducts are blocked by necrotic debris, and chronic inflammatory cells which is characterized by pain, tenderness, periods of inflammation. Also, bilateral spontaneous nipple discharge, which is sticky, multicolored from multiple ducts is common, but the unilateral condition in the case scenario is concerning. Although, this condition may not contribute any malignancy (Dains, Baumann, Scheibel, 2013). Never the less, the accumulation of the mammary duct fluid from constant secretion and reabsorption especially in nonlactating women results in metaplasia of the duct and increase inflammation. In addition, smokers are at a high risk, because the toxin release from tobacco contributes to recurrent retroareolar abscess resulting in the lumen blockage. Approximately 90% of women who smoke experience recurrent retroareolar abscesses, therefore smoking cessation should be encouraged if the patient be a smoker (Rahal, et al. 2005). Obtaining a thorough medical, social, and family history is needed to prevent misdiagnosis and avoid