I must say that the "foam cells" had me stumped...That is a literal translation from the report which is in Hebrew (Taay ketzef) I went to the only book I have at home with a more detailed description of breast diseases. "Pathological Basis of Disease" by Robbins, Cotran and Kumar.Saunders, 1984. (I have no library time this week) On page 1168 under Mammary Duct Ectasia (Plasma Cell Mastitis; Periductal Mastities) is written: "On histologic examination, the characteristically dilated ducts are filled by granular,, necrotic, acidophilic debris (secretion), which sometimes contains mixed white cells, principally lipid-laden mac rophages . The lining epithelial cells of the ducts may persist in small foci, but for the most part are necrotic and atrophic. The periductal and interductal inflammation in the full-blown disease, caused by inflammatory erosion of the duct walls. is manifested bby heavy infiltrates of inflammatory cells,i.e., neutrophils, lymphocytes, and histiocytes, with a striking predominance of plasma cells. Occasionally, foci of inflammation about lipid debris create small, granulomatous, inflammatory reactions, composed of central masses of FOAMY (emphasis mine) macrophages and precipitated spicules of cholesterol and fatty acids, surrounded by a fibroblastic proliferation and scattered foreign body giant cells. The axillary lymph nodes that drain the focus may also be the site of chronic lymphadenitis and secondary enlargement. The dilated ducts should not be confused with cysts of fibrocysic disease. THe latter form in lobules, not ducts, and thus have no elastic tissue in their walls as do the dilated ducts in plasma cell mastites." The mother has not called in yet!!!! Name: Toby Gish R.N.LLLL.IBCLC E-mail: Toby Gish <[log in to unmask]> Date: 19/03/96 Time: 04:21:24 PM This message was sent by Chameleon -------------------------------------