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Galactogram
A galactogram is an x-ray image of the inside of the breast’s milk ducts. A small The nipple is cleaned and a tiny amount of fluid is squeezed from the nipple. This amount of contrast material is injected into shows which duct is draining. a milk duct and a mammogram of the site is done.
Sometimes a warm towel is placed on the breast to help the duct show up better. The A galactogram may be ordered when a milk duct may be dilated so a small plastic, woman has bloody or clear drainage from
her breast nipple, but has had a normal hollow tube called a catheter can be inserted. A blunt tipped needle may be mammogram. used instead of a catheter. It may be Before the Exam
uncomfortable when the duct is dilated but it is usually not painful.
Tell your doctor about:
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Medications you are taking
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Any allergies you have especially to contrast materials (X-ray dyes) 
If there is any chance that you are pregnant
Make certain that you do not squeeze your nipple before the exam. In order to perform the galactogram, the doctor needs to be able to see where the fluid is coming from so you do not want to drain it ahead A small amount of contrast material is injected and a mammogram x-ray is taken. You will be asked to hold very still and not breathe for a few seconds while it is taken.
A second injection and x-ray may be done.
Results and Follow-up
The galactogram will show if and where a filling defect in the milk duct is present. If there is a filling defect, it often means a small mass is present. Most of these are of time.
papillomas, which are non-cancerous masses of the milk ducts. They may be Do not wear deodorant, talcum powder or pre-cancerous, and are sometimes lotion under your arms or on your breasts the day of the exam.
removed. Less than 10 percent of filling defects will be cancer. Sometimes a filling During the Exam
cyst. You will need to remove your jewelry and clothing above your waist. You will be A radiologist will review the images and defect is not found, but the duct leads to a given a gown that opens in the front.
It takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour for this exam. You will be seated or lying on your back with your breast exposed. send a report to your doctor. Your doctor will discuss the results and any needed follow-up with you.
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