Ductography is a special type of study that uses a contrast dye to image the breast ducts. This test (also called galactography) aids in diagnosing abnormal nipple discharge. Screening or diagnostic mammography are different from ductography because they do not use a contrast dye for their imaging.
The majority of nipple discharges (those that occur spontaneously, not with squeezing) are from non-cancerous causes, although all discharges should be reported to your doctor. A small hollow needle is fed into the problem duct from the nipple. A small amount of radiopaque fluid (contrast media) is then fed into the duct with a syringe and a mammogram taken of the breast. The contrast media makes the duct show up clearly on the mammogram.
Ductography is a specialized procedure and is only performed by radiologists with significant experience in performing ductography.
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