Galactography

Galactography, or ductography, is a test to evaluate women who experience a spontaneous nipple discharge, or one which readily occurs when pressure is put on a particular spot on the breast. This test is most commonly used to diagnose the source of the more worrisome types of clear or bloody discharge, in patients with normal mammograms and ultrasounds. Our breast imaging radiologists insert a very small catheter called a cannula into the discharging duct and a tiny amount of contrast agent is injected. Mammographic images of the opacified duct are then obtained, and checked for masses or abnormalities in or around the symptomatic duct system. Should an abnormality be found, surgical removal is usually recommended.