Sorry I’ve posted a few questions now. I was urgently referred a month ago for a one sided inverted nipple. I had mammograms, ultrasound and an examination. They made an “incidental” find of a cluster of microcalcifications that were not connected to the inversion as in different area of the breast, I’ve undergone a core and now a vacuum assisted biopsy (a couple of days ago) and obviously very nervous about what’s next. However, the initial cause of the referral has been recorded as duct ecstatia. I asked if my nipple would permanently look this way - I was told it would, but from what I read it heals? Also, and the worrying bit for me, being hyper aware now and doing a lot of googling, I am worried that the diagnosis could have more to it. I have very dense breasts which I know can hide things. Surely they can’t diagnose duct ecstasia for sure without a biopsy of the nipple or mri, particularly in very dense breast? I am worried that because of the concern with the calcifications this may be overlooked. It really looks quite bad, it’s cringe to say but it feels cavernous, not just a mild inversion and usually looks quite purple with something white inside. I think it has gotten worse since my initial appointment. Should I ask for more tests to be done? Reading up all I have I know dense breasts are an issue but also common but very dense is harder for detection of cancer.
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Thank you 
I just wanted to add that I think I’m probably being paranoid. It’s gotten worse since but I’ve googled (I know I shouldn’t) a lot and I’ve read that the pressure of the biopsy can potentially aggravate it. I know it’s the least important thing right now and it’s not causing any pain but I’m very depressed looking at it and it’s making me feel pretty bad about myself, but I guess that’s a mental rather than physical issue I have to try and get on top of and the stress of the wait for biopsy results is making me fixate on this.
Hi littlemy1,
Thanks for your post.
It’s understandable that you are feeling anxious whilst you wait for biopsy result following the incidental finding of micro-calcifications.
It’s also understandable that you are concerned about how your nipple looks following a diagnosis of duct ectasia. Duct ectasia is a benign condition and does not increase your risk of breast cancer. It can often be diagnosed on ultrasound, as the ultrasound can see dilated ducts and rule out any other breast changes which could be causing the nipple inversion. Whilst mammograms can be difficult to read if you have dense breasts, an ultrasound can still provide a clear image.
For most people, symptoms of duct ectasia, including an inverted nipple, resolve with time and do not require treatment. Sometimes an infection can develop in the ducts which require treatment with antibiotics, so it’s important to let your GP or the breast clinic know if you notice any changes, such as redness, pain or new nipple discharge. If the symptoms do not improve with time, on occasion an operation is required to remove the affected duct.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.
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Best wishes,
Katie
Breast Care Nurse
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