Breast Ductogram

Ductography, also called galactography, is a mammography technique used for evaluating the cause of spontaneous nipple discharge that occurs from a single duct in one breast. The procedure must take place when the fluid can be expressed from the breast so the correct duct can be examined.

The doctor inserts a slender, blunt-tipped catheter into the discharging duct and injects a small amount of contrast medium (dye that shows up on an x-ray image). The dye fills the duct, so when the mammogram is taken, the duct's shape and internal contour is visible. The injection of dye may produce a temporary feeling of "fullness" in the breast but doesn't cause pain or burning. If the radiologist sees a mass or other abnormality, that section of the duct can be surgically removed. If no distinct abnormality is apparent, the whole duct is removed for analysis. Most women with abnormal duct discharge do not have a malignancy.

Next >>  Breast Biopsy

In This Article:
Detecting Breast Cancer
Breast Self-Exam and Clinical Exam
Mammography
Breast Ultrasound
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Breast Ductogram
Breast Biopsy

From the Harvard Health Publications Special Health Report, Breast Cancer: Strategies for Living. Copyright 2004 by the President and Fellows of Harvard College. Illustrations by Harriet Greenfield, M.A., and Jesse Tarantino. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell. Harvard Medical School does not endorse products.
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