mammary duct fistula

Last reviewed 01/2018

This is a communication between the skin and a major subareolar breast duct.

It may occur following incision and drainage of a non-lactating abscess, spontaneous discharge of a periareolar mass or following biopsy of a periductal inflammatory mass.

Treatment is by excision under antibiotic cover. Recurrence is common and but less so if this is performed in a specialist breast unit.