Non-lactating areola fistula
Fistula of areola out of lactation is a local infectious lesion of the mammary duct in the areola area. It can occur in both men and women. It is clinically characterized by recurrent fistulas in the areola area, also known as non-lactating breast abscess, non-lactating periareolar abscess, chronic subareolar abscess, breast fistula, and mammary duct granuloma. Zusks et al. named it mammary duct fistula based on the histological changes of the disease. Due to the recurrent attacks of this disease and the prolonged course, it has been reported to last 0.5 to 102 months, with the longest course being 20 years, and most courses lasting 1 to 3 years. Antibiotic treatment alone is ineffective and surgical treatment is required.