Diagnostic tests: Breast ductogram
| April 12, 2007
Diagnostic tests: 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 usually 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.
Review Date: 2007-04-12
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