Periductal mastitis is a non-cancerous breast condition, which does not increase the risk of breast cancer in future. It occurs due to the inflammation and infection of the ducts underneath the nipple.
Who Can Get Affected by Periductal Mastitis?
Although periductal mastitis can affect anyone at any age, it is most common among younger women. While very rare, the condition can also affect men. Those who are at an increased risk of periductal mastitis include:
- Breastfeeding mothers or those who have given birth recently
- People who smoke
- People with nipple piercings whereby the area get infected leading to the inflammation of the ducts
Common Symptoms of Periductal Mastitis
Periductal mastitis, which occurs in about 10% to 33% of women who are either breast feeding or producing milk, has some common symptoms which include:
- Redness and swelling of the breast
- Tenderness and hotness of the breast
- Pulled-in nipple
- A lump behind the nipple
- Discharge from the nipple (bloody or non-bloody)
- Collection of abscess on the breast
Diagnosis of Periductal Mastitis
Periductal mastitis is usually first noticed as an inflammation in the breast. After a breast exam by your physician, you might be referred to a breast specialist for further tests. The assessment tests to diagnose Periductal mastitis include:
- An ultrasound scan
- Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA): Here, a fine needle and syringe are used to take samples of the cells to be observed under a microscope.
- Discharge sample testing: A sample of the nipple discharge is taken to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment of Periductal Mastitis
Most cases of periductal mastitis are treated with antibiotics to alleviate the infection present in the breast. Additionally, if you are suffering from any pain, a painkiller such as Ibuprofen might be recommended. On the other hand, treatment may not be needed, and the condition might clear up on its own.
If there is a presence of abscess in the breast, then a different treatment approach might be required. This includes the use of a fine needle and syringe to draw the pus, with the guidance of an ultrasound. Depending on the severity of the condition, you might require having the abscess drained repeatedly until it’s all gone.
Sometimes a minor surgical procedure is done whereby a small opening is made on the skin of the breast to allow draining of the pus.
If for some reason the condition doesn’t improve after taking antibiotics, a surgical procedure, done under general anesthesia, may be required to remove the affected areas. If the condition comes back after the surgery, then you might undergo another surgery to remove more affected tissues.
Does Periductal Mastitis Increase the Risk of Breast Cancer?
Being diagnosed with any form of breast lump or breast condition can make one feel uneasy, thinking they are at a greater risk of developing breast cancer. Fortunately, periductal mastitis does not increase the risk of developing breast cancer nor does it ‘eventually turn into breast cancer’. To stay breast aware, you should continue with the routine breast screening as usual, and if you are concerned about any changes that your breasts might have, it is recommended you visit your doctor at the earliest.
Next Steps
At King’s College Hospital London Dubai, our Breast Care Clinic caters to every type of breast cancer and breast conditions. If you are facing any kind of abnormal changes to your breast, regardless how small, get in touch for a consultation with one of our breast doctors. For more information on breast cancer and breast care, book an appointment below.
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