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Mammary duct ectasia with bloody nipple discharge in a child
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.
Insights
Mammary duct ectasia, a rare pediatric condition, presents as a cystic mass with bloody nipple discharge. Surgical excision was performed, though conservative therapy is often considered for this rare disease.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Pediatric Radiology
Background:
- Mammary duct ectasia is an uncommon condition in children, characterized by cystic masses and bloody nipple discharge.
- The underlying pathophysiology remains poorly understood, necessitating differentiation from other hemorrhagic cystic masses like lymphangioma.
Observation:
- A 14-month-old boy presented with unilateral mammary duct ectasia accompanied by bloody nipple discharge.
- The condition was managed through surgical excision.
Findings:
- While surgical intervention was performed, the case highlights the potential for conservative management in pediatric mammary duct ectasia.
- The report underscores the need for differential diagnosis in cases of cystic masses with hemorrhage in children.
Implications:
- Conservative therapy should be considered as a primary approach for children presenting with cystic masses and bloody nipple discharge.
- Further research is needed to establish optimal follow-up durations and the precise timing for surgical intervention in pediatric mammary duct ectasia.
Abstract:
Mammary duct ectasia is a rare disease in children and often presents as a cystic mass with bloody nipple discharge. The pathophysiology of mammary duct ectasia is unclear, and the differential diagnosis of other cystic masses with hemorrhage, such as complicated lymphangioma, is necessary. Here, we report a 14-month-old boy who exhibited unilateral mammary duct ectasia with bloody nipple discharge that was treated with surgical excision. Because some authors have reported that mammary duct ectasia can be often be resolved without surgery, conservative therapy should be considered first when a child presents with a cystic mass with bloody nipple discharge. However, the optimal duration of follow-up and timing of surgical excision have not yet been established.
