What is a common symptom associated with ductal ectasia?

Ductal ectasia is a condition that occurs when a milk duct beneath the nipple dilates, fills with fluid, and potentially becomes blocked. One of the most common symptoms associated with ductal ectasia is unilateral multicolored, sticky nipple discharge. This discharge can vary in color and consistency, ranging from clear to milky or even green-tinted. The discharge is typically from a single duct, which aligns with the unilateral feature of the symptom, making it a classic presentation for ductal ectasia.

It's important to understand that while other symptoms such as palpable lymph nodes, unilateral breast swelling, or differences in breast size can occur in various breast conditions, they are not characteristic symptoms of ductal ectasia. Instead, they are more commonly associated with other pathology, such as infections or malignancies. The specific nature of the discharge is a distinguishing factor that helps in diagnosing ductal ectasia.