Duct Ectasia

No increased risk (non-proliferative): cysts, simple fibroadenoma, duct ectasia, mild hyperplasia.

Ectasia means abnormal dilation. In duct ectasia, the large ducts near the areola become dilated and fill up with thick secretions. This is a degenerative condition, not an infection.
Women in their fifth or sixth decade — older than those with squamous metaplasia
Usually multiparous women — women who have had multiple pregnancies
Not associated with smoking — unlike Zuska disease
What happens — step by step:

What our notes say

No increased risk (non-proliferative): cysts, simple fibroadenoma, duct ectasia, mild hyperplasia. (General Surgery CAT 2 (MBSG 4600): 4 October 2021)
Squamous metaplasia + periductal chronic inflammation + nipple retraction describes periductal mastitis (part of the duct ectasia–periductal mastitis spectrum), often linked to smoking (Skin & Breast Pathology CAT: MKU Year 3 Medicine Exam)
Nonproliferative breast changes include duct ectasia and apocrine metaplasia (General Pathology MCQs: Fixatives, FNA, Endocrine & ARDS)
| Duct Ectasia | 5th–6th decade, multiparous women; thick nipple discharge; not smoking-related; dilated ducts + periductal chronic inflammation + lipid-laden macrophages → fibrosis/retraction; mimics carcinoma | (Exam Prep: Skin Infections, Psoriasis & Pemphigus)
| Inflammatory | Mastitis, Zuska disease, Duct ectasia, Fat necrosis | Zuska = smokers; fat necrosis mimics cancer | (Exam Prep: Skin Infections, Psoriasis & Pemphigus)
In duct ectasia, the large ducts near the areola become dilated and fill up with thick secretions. (Breast Inflammation: Mastitis, Periductal Mastitis & Duct Ectasia)