Does breast ultrasound treat duct ectasia?

Duct ectasia, also called mammary duct ectasia, happens when a milk duct widens and may collect thick fluid. Ultrasound can show the duct, its contents, and nearby tissue. It is an assessment tool, not a way to reopen or clean the duct. Care may involve observation, comfort measures, or treatment for infection when a clinician finds one. Persistent or unusual discharge may need additional assessment because not every discharge has the same cause.

Book a clinical review for nipple discharge, tenderness, or a lump near the nipple. Note whether discharge is spontaneous, its colour, and whether it comes from one or both nipples. Ask what the ultrasound shows and whether any other test or follow-up is needed. Avoid repeated squeezing, which can irritate the nipple and make discharge continue.

Seek prompt assessment for bloody or clear discharge from one nipple, a new lump, skin or nipple change, or a breast that becomes red, hot, and painful. Seek urgent help for fever with severe illness, rapidly spreading redness, fainting, or breathing difficulty.

Ask whether one or several ducts are widened, what explains the discharge, whether infection is present, and which symptoms should trigger earlier review.