Why and when is galactography used?

This is the general name for the test used to detect very small (2-3 mm) tumors within the milk ducts. Very small tumors, called papillomas, located within the milk ducts are not visible on standard mammograms; they can only be detected by injecting medication (contrast material) into the milk duct.

Mammography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offer various advantages in breast imaging, but they do not provide as good a visualization of the milk ducts as galactography.

In cases where persistent bloody or clear nipple discharge is most often present, but the mammogram is normal, it is necessary to examine small tumors within the milk ducts, and galactrography is used to inject medication into the milk ducts to detect them. If there is discharge from both breasts, the cause is usually hormonal, and galactography is not necessary.

Patients undergoing galactrography should have a recent mammogram. Don't forget to bring your previous mammograms with you when you go for a galactrography.