What treatment is generally given for patients with ductal ectasia who do not respond to noninvasive options?

Ductal ectasia is a condition where one or more of the milk ducts beneath the nipple dilate, fill with fluid, and thicken, which can cause symptoms such as nipple discharge, inversion, or even pain. In cases where noninvasive treatments, such as warm compresses or antibiotics for secondary infections, do not alleviate symptoms, surgical intervention is usually considered the next step.

Surgery typically involves the excision of the affected duct, which can provide relief from symptoms and address any concerns related to the presence of fibrocystic changes or the potential for malignancy. The choice of surgical approach is guided by the individual patient’s presentation and the severity of the condition.

Hormonal therapy, radiation therapy, and antibiotics are generally not effective second-line treatments for ductal ectasia when noninvasive measures fail. Hormonal therapy may be considered in some breast conditions, but ductal ectasia typically does not respond to this treatment. Radiation therapy is primarily used for cancer treatment and not appropriate in this context. Antibiotics may only be effective if there is an infection, but they do not address the underlying anatomical issues associated with ductal ectasia.

Thus, when conservative measures fail, surgery is the appropriate and necessary treatment option to resolve the