Ductal lavage

Pronunciation

DUK-tul luh-VAZH

Definition

Ductal lavage is a method used to collect cells from milk ducts in the breast.

How is the ductal lavage procedure is done?

• A hair-size catheter (tube) is inserted into the nipple, and a small amount of salt water is released into the duct.
• The water picks up breast cells, and is removed.

Microscopy

The cells are checked under a microscope.

Clinical use

Ductal lavage may be used in addition to clinical breast examination and mammography to detect breast cancer<ref>Hartman AR, Daniel BL, Kurian AW, et al. Breast magnetic resonance image screening and ductal lavage in women at high genetic risk for breast carcinoma. Cancer 2004 Feb 1; 100(3):479-89.</ref>.

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