Correlation of Galactography and Pathology Features in Breast Cancer with Nipple Discharge

Objective:To analyze the galactographic features in breast cancer with nipple discharge and to correlate with the pathologic findings,in order to improve the diagnostic accuracy of breast cancer.Methods:A retrospective study was performed to analyze the galactographic features and to correlate with the pathologic findings in 23 cases of breast(cancer) with nipple discharge.Results:Among the 23 cases of breast cancer with nipple discharge,the pathohistology diagnosis included 8 cases of ductal carcinoma in situ,10 cases of invasive carcinoma with invasive ductal carcinoma(n=6),papillary carcinoma(n=4),3 cases of early infiltration of ductal carcinoma and 2 cases of malignant change of benign papilloma.All together there were 13 cases with early cancer and 8 cases were non-palpable breast cancer.The galactographic features were:12 cases had lactiferous duct filling defect with various degree dilatation,5 cases had pool-like expansion due to encroaching and narrowing of lactiferous duct,3 cases had ductal distortion by tumor mass compression,and 1 case showed normal duct with numerous micro-calcifications.The accuracy rate of galactography in the diagnosis of breat cancer was(82.6%)(4/23).Conclusion:Galactography is a useful and safe modality in the diagnostic workup of nipple discharge of breast.Not only the relationship of tumor mass with the invaded lactiferous duct,the degree of ductal involvement,could be accurately demonstrated,but also early non-palpable carcinoma with nipple discharge could be detected.