Ductal Lavage
This is a research procedure we use to assess changes in the breast duct cells. A tiny catheter is inserted into those nipple ducts which produce fluid during massage. Salt water (saline) solution is then infused into the breast ducts through the catheter and removed. The saline solution picks up cells that can be studied under a microscope. Women who are five or more years from stopping their menstrual cycle usually do not produce enough fluid so ductal lavage is most often attempted in pre-menopausal women.
We have completed a clinical trial founded by the National Cancer Institute in which random periariolar fine needle aspiration (RPFNA) and ductal lavage were performed on the same pre-menopausal women prior to entry into a prevention trial.
RPFNA was much more likely to produce cells and could be accomplished with less discomfort than ductal lavage. Consequently, we no longer offer ductal lavage.