Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026
13:35
Endoscopic Bilateral Nipple-sparing Mastectomy via a Single Axillary Incision with Immediate Pre-pectoral Implant-based Breast Reconstruction
Published on: May 17, 2024
Microdochectomy in the management of pathologic nipple discharge
Josip Fajdić1, Nikola Gotovac, Zeljko Glavić
1Department of Surgery, County Hospital Pozega, Pozega, Croatia.
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics
|May 12, 2010
Summary
Microdochectomy is an effective method for diagnosing pathologic nipple discharge, with a 7.0% malignancy detection rate. This minimally invasive procedure preserves breast integrity and aids in early breast cancer detection.
Area of Science:
- Breast Surgery
- Surgical Oncology
- Diagnostic Procedures
Background:
- Pathologic nipple discharge is a debated sign of breast carcinoma.
- Microdochectomy is a minimally invasive approach for evaluating nipple discharge.
- A 20-year retrospective study analyzed 184 patients undergoing microdochectomy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of microdochectomy in detecting early-stage breast carcinoma.
- To evaluate the diagnostic yield of microdochectomy for pathologic nipple discharge.
Main Methods:
- 184 patients (aged 24-77) with nipple discharge underwent microdochectomy.
- Procedures included cytology and ductography.
- Patients were categorized by menopausal status and discharge type (sanguinolent vs. other).
Main Results:
- Histopathology revealed 13 carcinomas (7.0%) among excised ducts.
- Four ductal carcinomas in situ were detected.
- Papilloma was the most frequent benign finding (56.5%), often associated with sanguinolent discharge.
Conclusions:
- Microdochectomy is highly efficient for diagnosing pathologic nipple discharge.
- The 7.0% malignancy rate aligns with literature.
- Conservative management with monitoring may be suitable for select patients.
