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Ductogram

(Galactogram)

by Cynthia M. Johnson, MA

Home | Health Information Center | Procedure & Surgery Fact Sheets | Article

Definition

Reasons for Procedure

Possible Complications

What to Expect

Call Your Doctor

En Español

Definition

A ductogram is a test that makes pictures of the breast ducts. It is done with a mammogram and special contrast material.

Breastfeeding

Reasons for Procedure

A ductogram is done to look for the cause of abnormal discharge from the nipples.

Possible Complications

X-rays do not cause short-term health complications. But radiation doses may build up in the body over time. The more x-rays you have the more radiation there will be. This can raise the risk of some cancers. The risk is higher in children and women who could get or are pregnant.

Lead safety shields are used during x-rays. They help lower the amount of radiation to the body.

Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:

Reaction to the contrast material
Infection
Injury to the duct

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

The care team may meet with you to talk about:

Any allergies you may have
Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to stop taking them before the procedure
Avoiding squeezing any discharge from the nipple in the days before the test
Not using deodorant, powders, lotions, or perfumes on the breasts or under the arms

Description of the Procedure

There are different ways to do this procedure. You will be asked to lie on your back. The nipple will be cleaned. The breast will be squeezed to release discharge. This will help the doctor find out which duct the discharge is coming from. A small, flexible tube will be inserted into the milk duct. Contrast material will be injected through this tube. X-rays will be taken of the breast after the contrast material is injected. The tube will be removed and a small bandage or pad will be placed over the nipple.

How Long Will It Take?

30 to 60 minutes

Will It Hurt?

Discomfort and breast discharge are common in first 2 to 3 days. Medicine and home care can help.

Post-procedure Care

You can return to normal activities. The doctor will talk to you about your test results.

Call Your Doctor

Call the doctor if you are not getting better or you have:

Signs of an infection, such as fever or chills
Redness or swelling of the breast
Bloody discharge from the nipple
Pain that does not go away

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

RESOURCES:

Office on Women’s Health—US Department of Health and Human Services
http://www.womenshealth.gov

Radiology Info—Radiological Society of North America
http://www.radiologyinfo.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca

Women's Health Matters
http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca

References:

Breast cancer. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer.html. Accessed October 15, 2020.

Breast ductography. Radiopaedia website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed October 15, 2020.

Galoctography (ductography). Radiological Society of North America Radiology Info website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed October 15, 2020.

Kasales CJ, Han B, et al. Nonpuerperal mastitis and subareolar abscess of the breast. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2014 Feb;202(2):W133-139.

Nonlactational mastitis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/nonlactational-mastitis. Accessed October 15, 2020.

Last reviewed September 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Elliot M. Levine, MD, FACOG
Last Updated: 4/27/2021

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