Chung SY, Lee KW, Park KS, Lee Y, Bae SH. Breast tumors associated with nipple discharge. Correlation of findings on galactography and sonography.
Clin Imaging 1995;
19:165-71. [PMID:
7553430 DOI:
10.1016/0899-7071(93)00007-l]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
To compare the specific information provided by ultrasound (US) and galactography and to appreciate the clinical applicability of US as a primary diagnostic method for breast tumors associated with nipple discharge, a comparative study of each method in 15 patients with ductal tumors of the breast was performed. To evaluate the smallest anatomical unit of the lactiferous system demonstrable by US, 30 patients with normal lactating breasts were examined prospectively. The smallest anatomical ductal unit that could be evaluated with US in the normal lactating breast was the terminal duct lobular unit (TDLU). US is superior to galactography in detecting masses smaller than 0.5 cm or lesions involving multiple ducts. Galactography is better for visualizing the duct system and detecting calcification. In conclusion, US serves as a primary noninvasive diagnostic tool in patients with clinically suspicious breast tumor associated with bloody nipple discharge, but galactography also should be done in specific circumstances.
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