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Duct ectasia, is also called periductal mastitis. As the name implies, galactophorous ducts are ectatic (dilated), with the subsequent secretion stasis associated fibrosis. Although the exact process that originates this change is not know, some authors believe that this process is characterized by involution and atrophy of ducts, others authors believe that is more likely and inflammatory process (probably both are right in different cases). Clinically and radiologically can mimic breast carcinoma. Clinically also can condition discomfort for the patient because they can experience nipple discharge, pain, and abscess formation.

The morphological gross appearance is very interesting. Thick walled duct filled with creamy secretion. Histologically we will basically see the same, dilated ducts with eosinophilic secretion. Usually ducts are surrounded by lymphocytes and plasma cells, latter in the course of the process we can find macrophages, multinucleated giant cells, and fibrosis).