The breast appears red and feels warm, tender, and lumpy. In its early stages, mastitis can by cured by antibiotics. If a pus-containing abcess forms, it may need to be drained or surgically removed. Ducts beneath the nipple become inflamed and can become clogged. Mammary duct ectasia can be painful, and it can produce a thick and sticky discharge that is gray to green in color.
Treatment consists of warm compresses, antibiotics, and, if necessary, surgery to remove the duct.
Studies show that certain very specific types of microscopic changes put a woman at higher risk for breast cancer. These changes feature excessive cell growth, or hyperplasia. It is important to understand, however, that most benign breast changes and conditions do NOT increase a woman's risk of getting cancer. About 25 percent of benign breast biopsies show signs of hyperplasia, including conditions such as intraductal papilloma and sclerosing adenosis. This fact sheet provides important information about benign breast lumps and other benign breast changes.