common

Mammary duct ectasia

Duct ectasia of the breast, mammary duct ectasia or cell mastitis is a condition that occurs when a milk duct beneath the nipple widens, the duct walls thicken, and the duct fills with fluid. This is the most common cause of greenish discharge. Mammary duct ectasia can mimic breast cancer. It is a disorder of peri- or post-menopausal age.

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Symptoms — what it feels like

·nipple retraction, inversion, pain, green-brown discharge

Causes — why it happens

·Aging, smoking, inverted nipples

How it's found

·duct widening

Complications

·nipple discharge, breast discomfort, , concern about breast cancer

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Plain-language summary adapted from Wikipedia. Not medical advice.