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Published on: August 25, 2014
Nipple discharge screening
Stefanos Zervoudis1, Georgos Iatrakis, Panagiotis Economides
1Lito Hospital, Department of Mastology, Athens, Greece and Technological Educational Institution of Athens, Athens, Greece and Universiry of Ioannina, Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Breast Unit, Ioannina, Greece. szervoud@otenet.gr
Women'S Health (London, England)
|January 7, 2010
Summary
Nipple discharge evaluation distinguishes normal from abnormal cases. Diagnosis involves various imaging and invasive techniques to identify benign or malignant causes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Nipple discharge is a frequent gynecological complaint in women.
- Discharge characteristics (laterality, cycle variation, quantity, color, presentation) determine if it's normal or abnormal.
- Causes range from benign conditions like papilloma and duct ectasia to malignant breast cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the classification of nipple discharge.
- To detail the differential diagnosis of nipple discharge.
- To review the diagnostic and therapeutic modalities for nipple discharge.
Main Methods:
- Mammography and ultrasound for imaging.
- Cytology, potentially with mammary pump assistance.
- Ductoscopy and ductography for detailed ductal visualization.
- Immunochemical methods for specific markers.
- Surgical excision for definitive diagnosis and treatment.
Main Results:
- Nipple discharge can be pathognomonic for underlying breast pathology.
- Benign causes include intraductal papilloma, duct ectasia, plasma cell mastitis, and galactorrhea.
- Malignant causes include ductal, lobular, and papillary carcinomas.
- A multimodal approach is often necessary for accurate diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Accurate classification of nipple discharge is crucial for patient management.
- A combination of imaging, cytology, and potentially invasive procedures ensures comprehensive evaluation.
- Surgical excision serves as both a diagnostic and therapeutic intervention for pathological ducts.
