Ductography and Breast
Localizations
Ductography
A ductogram is a mammographic procedure
that is performed to help identify an abnormality in the breast
duct
that may be
the source of nipple discharge and is valuable in diagnosing
intraductal papillomas and other conditions. Papillomas
are
wart-like, non-cancerous tumors with branchings or stalks
that have grown inside the breast duct; they are the most
common cause of nipple discharge. Nipple discharge can be caused
by non-cancerous tumors such as
papillomas, or cancer such as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).
However, the majority of nipple discharges are due to benign
(non-cancerous) causes. In particular, discharges that are
yellow, green, blue, or black in color are usually categorized
as less
suspicious. For example, blue or black discharges are often
associated with benign cysts. Discharges that are bloody,
colorless, or
clear in color are categorized as more suspicious, but
further investigation usually results in a benign diagnosis.
Bilateral
nipple discharge (discharge occurring from both breasts)
is usually benign and does not typically require investigation
with ductography
or other procedures. However, all persistent discharges
should be reported to a physician for evaluation. A ductogram
is a mammographic procedure that is performed to help identify
the breast duct that may be the source
of nipple
discharge. This procedure is performed on women who have
a spontaneous nipple discharge. A blunt cannula is inserted
into the
ductal opening
of the nipple producing the spontaneous discharge,
a contrast media is injected into this duct, and mammography
images
are taken to show the duct in question. The ductogram
may or may
not identify the cause of the nipple discharge. The
majority
of patients who undergo ductography ultimately need
surgery to treat the discharge. Surgery may involve removing
a papilloma or in some cases, removal of the entire
ductal
system may
be
required. Breast Localizations What is a needle/wire localization?
A needle/wire localization is a procedure used to help your
surgeon find the area in your breast that needs to be
removed. It is
used when a mammogram or ultrasound has identified a small
area of concern that cannot be felt. Before you go to
surgery, the
radiologist will place a small needle/ wire next to the
area of concern using imaging (e.g., x-ray, ultrasound)
to enable
your surgeon to accurately remove the area of concern while
removing the least amount of normal breast tissue. Where
is the procedure performed?
The localization is performed the morning of your breast
surgery at The Breast Center of Northwest Arkansas. You
will meet with
the Radiologist and assistants who perform the procedure.
They will answer your questions, obtain consent, and
remain with you
during the procedure.
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