[Galactographic features of the secreting breast]

The authors report their experience in the galactographic study of 95 women with nipple discharge; 65 of them previously underwent both surgical and histological control. The galactographic features are classified according to predominant alterations: ductal ectasia, ductal stenosis, ductal amputation, solitary/multiple filling defects, ductal dystrophy, and irregular distribution of ductal branches. Histopathological findings (65 patients) appear to be related to nipple discharge types: thus, hematic secretion results pathognomonic for intracanalicular neoplasm (24/25), while serous and serous-hematic discharge (32/65) may be caused by any mammary pathologies. Galactography is therefore recommended, being sometimes the only reliable diagnostic method and allowing both topography and extension of the lesion to be demonstrated, which are necessary elements for planning adequate surgical treatment.