Patient's question:
Description of the problem: I have a hard lump in my right breast, measuring 2.22 mm. The color Doppler ultrasound shows it is ductal dilation. I want to be treated now. Do I need surgery?Doctor's answer:
Duct ectasia of the breast, also known as mammary plasma cell mastitis. It generally occurs in non-lactating women over the age of 40, with a prolonged course, typically lasting up to 5 years, and is often found in the tissue of chronic adenitis. This condition has two significant features: first, dilation of the breast ducts, hyperplasia of the ductal epithelium, with yellowish-brown or bloody discharge; second, fibrous tissue hyperplasia around the ducts, accompanied by numerous lymphocyte and plasma cell infiltration. Early symptoms are similar to acute mastitis, but nipple retraction may occur, making it easily misdiagnosed as breast cancer. Surgery is generally not required, and treatment can be managed with medication. In severe cases, surgical excision may be considered.