What condition involves the widening of the lactiferous ducts near the nipple?

Mammary ductal ectasia is characterized by the dilation of the lactiferous ducts, particularly near the nipple. This condition occurs when the ducts become blocked with a thick, sticky fluid or due to inflammatory changes, leading to an accumulation of secretions. As the ducts become dilated, symptoms such as nipple discharge (which may be thick and putrid) and localized pain around the nipple can occur.

This dilation can also lead to changes in the surrounding tissue, and it is often observed in women who are perimenopausal or older, as hormonal changes may influence ductal morphology. In contrast, the other conditions listed do not primarily cause the widening of lactiferous ducts; for example, Paget's disease is associated with underlying breast cancer and presents with specific skin changes on the nipple, while breast fibroadenomas are solid, benign tumors and intraductal papillomas typically arise within the ducts rather than causing diffuse ductal dilation.