Galactography (contrast imaging of a milk duct)
Galactography (ductography) in Casablanca
Galactography is a mammogram taken after a contrast agent is injected into the nipple duct that is leaking. This duct, called a milk duct, normally carries milk. The exam helps locate an abnormality inside it. It is most often requested after a mammogram and an ultrasound, when the discharge comes from a single opening. The images outline the path of the duct and show what may narrow or block it.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
Plan on 20 to 30 minutes in most cases for the procedure and the images.
Report turnaround
Report within 24 hours. In an emergency, during opening hours, the report is handed over immediately.
Equipment
GE Senographe Pristina
When is this exam needed?
- Spontaneous discharge from one nipple, through a single opening.
- Persistent clear or blood-tinged discharge.
- Locating the duct involved before surgery.
- Unexplained discharge when the mammogram and ultrasound have shown nothing.
- Dilated duct or small finding in a duct seen on ultrasound, to be clarified.
How the exam is done
Lying down, you let the radiologist gently press the nipple to find the opening that is leaking. After disinfection, a very thin round-tipped cannula is slipped into it, without piercing the skin. A few drops of iodinated contrast agent are injected, with a feeling of tightness, and then mammogram images are taken.
Tell us about any sharp pain during the injection: the radiologist will then stop it. For the images, you are positioned as for a regular mammogram, with moderate compression; depending on the request, they can be taken with 3D mammography (tomosynthesis). At the end, a little contrast agent may leak from the nipple: a simple gauze pad is enough.
Preparation
- Do not squeeze the nipple in the days before: the discharge must be visible on the day of the exam.
- Keep your breasts and armpits free of deodorant, talc and cream.
- Note how long the nipple has been leaking and the color of the discharge, to inform the radiologist.
Fasting
No fasting in general: if your procedure requires it, the team will tell you when you book.
Contrast injection
The iodinated contrast agent is injected in a small amount into the duct, not into a vein.
Contraindications and precautions
- Current breast infection: the procedure is postponed.
- Known allergy to iodinated contrast agents: please tell us when you book.
- Tell us when you book about any anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication. Never stop it on your own: the radiologist will tell you whether it needs to be adjusted, together with the doctor who prescribed it.
- Possible or current pregnancy: please tell us before the exam.
- Breastfeeding: please mention it.
- Recent nipple or breast surgery: please specify it when you book.
Documents to bring
- Doctor's prescription
- Previous mammograms, ultrasounds or breast MRI
- List of your medications, especially anticoagulants
- Insurance or mutual insurance fund card
Price and insurance coverage
The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. You submit the coverage request to your insurer or fund yourself. For AtlantaSanad and Sanlam, the center takes care of it.
No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
What if there is no discharge that day?
Without visible discharge, the duct opening cannot be located: the exam is then usually postponed.
Is the exam painful?
The cannula does not go through the skin. Most patients feel only some pressure in the breast during the injection.
What signs should alert me afterwards?
See a doctor if the breast becomes red, warm and painful, or if you have a fever: infection is rare but possible.
Are other exams possible?
Depending on the situation, a breast ultrasound or a breast MRI may be requested, in addition or instead.
What can galactography show?
It reveals the inside of the duct: a narrowing, a stop in the flow of contrast agent or a small rounded finding. This finding, often benign like a papilloma, can thus be located before any treatment.
Can I leave on my own after the exam?
Yes. The procedure requires neither general anesthesia nor sedation: you can resume your usual activities as soon as the images are done.