Also called ductography or contrast-assisted mammography, is the injection of a contrast material into the ducts of the breast to observe the internal structure of the duct. Each nipple has five to seven duct openings. The radiologist can identify the discharging duct and, using a small catheter, inject the specific duct with a substance that can be seen on the mammogram. The substance fills the duct and outlines the internal structures. This makes it possible for the radiologist to determine if there is a small growth or other adbormality of the duct which would cause the discharge. If an abnormality is found that needs surgical removal, the duct can the be filled with a dye to mark the site. Galactography is performed in the mammography suite by a radiologist, assisted by a radiologic technologist.

Preparation:
No preparation. However, do not squeeze your nipples for several days before the procedure. It is important that the physician be able to correctly identify the discharging duct(s) for the procedure.

You or the physician and/or technologist will massage the breast to promote the discharge. When the duct(s) is identified, the catheter will be inserted. The insertion of the catheter in the duct is not painful but slightly uncomfortable. You will lie flat on mammography unit for the rest of the exam.

After the exam is completed, you will have a small bandage or nursing pad placed over your nipple to absorb the contrast material as it drains from your nipple.