mammary duct ectasia

ectasia /ec·ta·sia/ (ek-ta´zhah) dilatation, expansion, or distention.ectat´ic

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annuloaortic ectasia  dilatation of the proximal aorta and the fibrous ring of the heart at the aortic orifice, marked by aortic regurgitation, and when severe by dissecting aneurysm; often associated with Marfan's syndrome.

mammary duct ectasia  benign dilatation of the collecting ducts of the mammary gland, with inspissation of gland secretion and inflammatory changes in the tissues, usually during or after menopause.

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ectasia [ek-ta´zhah]

expansion, dilatation, or distention. adj., adj ectat´ic.

mammary duct ectasia a benign condition occurring in postmenopausal women, characterized by dilation of the ducts, inspissation of breast secretions, and periductal inflammation. Called also comedomastitis.

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mammary duct ectasia

Gynecology The dilation of lactiferous ducts which, if blocked, form cysts; if the cysts rupture, they become inflammed, resulting in plasma cell mastitis. See Plasma cell mastitis.