Definition:
A galactocele is a cystic tumor in the breast that contains a milky substance, or even milk. This disorder usually occurs when lactation has already ceased.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis can be made by observing the presenting symptoms. If there is a palpable mass the patient would be subjected to further evaluation. There are three possible diagnostic evaluation tools to be done before the disorder can be ruled in and these include subjecting the patient to mammography, ultrasonography, and core needle biopsy. Mammography and ultrasonography makes the tumor visible and defined. After the mass is characterized, a differential diagnosis can then be made. Core needle biopsy is done to evaluate whether the tumor is benign or malignant.
Treatment:
Treatment is usually done by excision. In this method, an incision is made and the tumor is excised.
Symptoms and Signs:
The symptoms of the disorder include a milky discharge from the nipple and a subareolar mass. If secondary infection has occurred, patients may present with an abscess formation.
Causes:
A galactocele can occur postpartum or when there is an infection during lactation. The lactiferous ducts found in a woman’s breast become obstructed and these ducts become distended with produced milk as well as epithelial cells.
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