Lisa, I am keenly interested in your information that systemic implies that
it is in the blood stream and that intraductal and nipple yeast are not of
systemic yeast overgrowth.

Good comments Pat! I'll try to reply more fully if I get a chance. One
definition of systemic candidiasis is "isolation from a normally sterile
body site". My usual reference (FC Odds: Candida and Candidosis) says
"Systemic forms of candidosis may arise as localised primary disease, with
only one organ affected, or as disseminated candidosis (Candida
septicaemia) is which Candida is spread by the bloodstream to invade
several organs".
Perhaps candida in the breast is a "deep candidosis" and could be called
"systemic candidosis". We still don't actually have proof. (A biopsy of the
breast with invading fungi would be nice - but we're not likely to do
this,)
The reason I wanted to sound a caution is that I've heard doctors being
critical of a diagnosis of systemic candida - because most doctors will
feel this only occurs in very ill patients. Also women sometimes feel that
thrush is appearing allover (vagina, breasts, bowel) and can feel
frightened. I explain the thrush in the breast has got there from the
outside, it hasn't spread internally.
Hope this helps!
Lisa Amir
GP / IBCLC in Melbourne, Australia