What is a Ductogram of the breast?

A ductogram, also known as a galactogram, is an imaging test used to identify the cause of nipple discharge. The ductography procedure is similar to a mammogram, except that a contrast dye is injected into the breast before the X-ray, to provide an even more detailed view of the milk ducts.

How is galactogram performed?

This test is performed by injecting a small amount of contrast material into a duct opening in your nipple. It is used to determine if there is any abnormality of the duct, a growth inside the duct or blockage of the duct. It is usually performed to evaluate bloody discharge from your nipple.

How does breast discharge look like?

Nipple discharge may look milky, clear, yellow, green, brown or bloody. Discharge that isn’t milk comes out of your nipple through the same ducts that carry milk. The discharge can involve a single duct or multiple ducts. The consistency of nipple discharge can vary — it may be thick and sticky or thin and watery.

How do I prepare for a Ductogram?

Very little preparation is necessary for this procedure. The only requirement is that the nipple not be squeezed prior to the exam, as sometimes there is only a small amount of fluid and it is necessary to see where that fluid is coming from to perform the exam. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take.

Is galactogram painful?

A galactogram can be a bit uncomfortable, but usually not painful. A galactogram can be painful if there is not enough discharge. This makes it harder to find the opening of the milk duct.

Can milk come from breast without pregnancy?

Yes, it’s possible to lactate if you’re not pregnant. Inducing lactation is a complex process that usually involves using hormone-mimicking drugs for several months to produce milk. The second part of lactation is expressing the milk through your nipple.

When I squeeze my nipples clear fluid comes out?

Fluid leaking from one or both nipples when you are not breastfeeding is called nipple discharge. Clear, cloudy, or white discharge that appears only when you press on your nipple is usually normal. The more the nipple is pressed or stimulated, the more fluid appears.

Is a galactogram painful?

Does a galactogram hurt?

How is a mammogram performed in a ductogram?

In a ductogram, a mammogram is performed after a contrast agent is injected into the breast (through the nipple). This article describes what to expect during a ductogram and explains how it is performed and how the results are interpreted.

What is a ductogram?

A ductogram (galactogram) is a type of medical imaging used to view your breast ducts. It can be helpful in finding the cause of nipple discharge. A ductogram involves mammography and use of a contrast agent that gets injected into the breast, like during a breast MRI. A fluid sample is extracted and sent for further testing.

What conditions can be diagnosed with a ductogram?

Several abnormal conditions involving the milk ducts may be diagnosed with the help of a ductogram, including: A ductogram also can help direct your surgeon to the ducts that need to be removed, for example, during surgery for intraductal papillomas or ductal carcinoma (breast cancer).

What size needle is used for a ductogram?

A blunt-tipped sialogram needle (30-gauge) is used for performing the ductogram. The abnormal duct is identified and cannulated. Approximately 1-2 mL of contrast is injected. A standard two-view mammography (or craniocaudal and mediolateral projections) are obtained. Indications There is significant confusion about the indications of ductography.