There are about 12-15 glandular ducts in the breast which open up to the nipple surface. There are some breast diseases which affect the breast ducts. Brest Duct Excision is the surgery done for treatment of nipple discharge. The operation, known as a breast duct excision, involves surgically removing the ends of the milk ducts (also known as total duct excision) or less frequently removing just the single milk duct (known as microdochectomy). Total duct excision is done in patients who show discharge from more than one duct, in cases whose nipples are pulled inwards or are inverted, and in patients who have had previous infection affecting the ducts below the nipple.
What is the procedure for breast duct excision ?
This procedure is usually done under a general anesthesia and lasts for approximately 20-30 minutes. In most cases, patients can return home the very same day as the procedure.
During the surgery, a nurse will take you to the operating room where you will be put under anesthesia. A cut or incision will be placed around the boundaries of your areola (the darker area surrounding the nipple).
The breast milk duct or ducts will then be removed and submitted to the laboratory for microscopic examination. The wound will be stitched using dissolvable sutures or stitches and then a waterproof dressing will be placed over it, to protect it.
What are the advantages of doing breast duct excision procedure ?
The benefits that are offered by breast duct excision is that the tissue removed can be examined to diagnose the cause of nipple discharge. In most of the cases, the cause is not something to be really worried about and is simply due to a widening of the milk ducts (or duct ectasia) which can be seen with age, or due to a wart-like growth in the milk duct (or intraductal papilloma). However, rarely, early cancer cells may sometimes be found. This definitely would warrant further treatment and follow-up.
What are the risks attached to breast duct excision procedure ?
- Bleeding : Rarely, there is a risk of significant bleeding either during or after the operation that is important enough to warrant treatment.
- Infection : There is a risk of developing a post-operative infection.
- Pain : There is a risk of feeling pain from the wound even a few days after the operation. However, persistent pain is unusual and should be checked.
- Breastfeeding : In case all the milk ducts are surgically removed, you will be unable to breastfeed from that particular breast in the future.
- Loss of nipple sensation : Rarely, some women lose sensation or have altered sensations around their nipple or the nipple may not be able to go erect (or hard).
- Skin changes : The skin of your nipple may get altered and change in this operation. This is a rare complication.
How to find breast cancer specialists for breast duct excision procedure ?
Now you can find breast cancer specialists for breast duct excision procedure from different hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions and information from multiple breast cancer specialists, get cost estimates for breast duct excision procedure from different hospitals, compare things and then choose a breast cancer specialist for breast duct excision procedure.
Find and choose a breast cancer specialist for breast duct excision procedure on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
