Mammary Duct Ectasia: Symptomatology, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Mammary duct ectasia is a benign breast condition of unknown etiology. Patients with ductal ectasia might have no symptoms or might present with symptoms so severe that surgery is indicated. Symptomatic patients require a full and careful workup because ductal ectasia in advanced stages can be mistaken for carcinoma of the breast. These patients are likely to undergo mammography, sonography, magnetic resonance imaging, and galactography. Therefore, radiologic technologists are involved directly with their imaging and care.