Who gets periductal mastitis and duct ectasia?
Older women: duct dilatation is a normal process of ageing. Smokers: it is not understood why. Galactorrhea: This is a milky discharge which is not associated with pregnancy. The cause is raised prolactin levels. Prolactin is the hormone associated with milk production during pregnancy. There are different reasons why it may be elevated. The commonest causes are drugs such as psychotropic drugs. Occasionally, it may be due to a pituitary tumour but this is an uncommon cause. Eczema: Eczema of the breast or nipple can also cause a nipple discharge. It can also be confused with a condition called Pagets disease of the nipple which is cancerous. Again, cancer must be ruled out and a true diagnosis of eczema made.
