Integumentary System
Mammary Gland - Galactocele
Narrative
Mammary gland galactoceles are markedly dilated/cystic ducts and alveoli filled with proteinaceous secretory material, which are generally detectable grossly at necropsy. Galactoceles are considered a form of ductular or acinar dilation, which is often diffuse and characterized by distention of collecting (lactiferous) ducts and alveoli, often beneath a nipple, and accompany additional histological changes other than just distension. Galactoceles are typically lined by flattened to cuboidal epithelium, which may be vacuolated, with a thin connective tissue wall and filled with proteinaceous secretory fluid and cell debris. Galactoceles may be accompanied by necrotic debris, inflammation, and thickened fibrotic walls, which are thought to be secondary to leakage or rupture.
Galactoceles may occur as a spontaneous age-related change or can be caused by anything that blocks an outlet (e.g., lactiferous duct occlusion during lactation or in response to hyperprolactinemia). In rodents, galactoceles are commonly associated with mammary gland neoplasms that cause blockage of a secretory duct.
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Mammary gland - Galactocele in a female F344/N rat from a chronic study (higher magnification of Figure 1). A distended alveolus contains eosinophilic secretory material, and the epithelial lining is flattened and vacuolated.
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