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Most breast cancers (about 95 percent) develop in specialized cells called
epithelial cells that line the milk ducts of the breast. Each breast has 6 to 9
separate ducts, which function independently of each other. Cancer that begins
in one duct may be contained to that duct if caught early, making treatment more
effective and increasing survival. By the time cancer is detected, however, it
often has progressed beyond a single duct. (Experts estimate that it takes 8 to
10 years for cancer to grow from 1 cell to a mass large enough to be detected on
a mammogram—about 1 billion cells.) Current research is seeking ways to
identify women at highest risk for breast cancer so that proactive risk
management may be started to help prevent the development of breast cancer.
What is ductal lavage?
Ductal lavage is a procedure for collecting cells from the milk ducts of the
breast for analysis. The procedure is used to identify cells in a pre-cancer
stage, called atypical cells. Ductal lavage currently is performed on women who
have multiple risk factors for breast cancer. (A risk factor is a condition or
behavior that puts a person at risk for developing a disease.)
Ductal lavage is a minimally invasive procedure that may be performed in a
doctor’s office or outpatient center. It is performed in three steps:
- Step 1 — An anesthetic cream is applied to numb the nipple area.
Gentle suction is used to withdraw a small amount of fluid from the milk
ducts. This is done to locate the opening of the ducts on the nipple’s
surface and to identify ducts to be tested. Ducts that do not produce fluid
generally are not tested with the lavage procedure, since atypical cells are
more commonly found in ducts that produce fluid.
- Step 2 — A hair-thin catheter (small tube) is inserted into the
natural opening of the duct. Additional anesthetic is delivered into the
duct. A saline (salt and water) solution is then infused through the
catheter to rinse the duct, which loosens cells from the duct lining. The
solution containing the loosened cells is withdrawn through the catheter.
(The word "lavage" is French for "wash" or
"rinse.")
- Step 3 — The sample is sent to the laboratory for analysis to
determine if the cells are normal or abnormal (atypical cells). Women with
atypical cells have an increased risk of developing breast cancer.
Who is a candidate for ductal lavage?
Ductal lavage is recommended only for women who are at high risk for breast
cancer. There are several factors that put a woman at high risk for developing
breast cancer, including:
- A personal history of breast cancer
- A family history of breast cancer, particularly in a mother, daughter or
sister
- Evidence of a specific gene (BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation)
- A Gail Index score of at least 1.7 percent (The Gail Index uses risk
factors such as age, family history of breast cancer, age of first menstrual
period and first pregnancy, and number of breast biopsies to calculate a
woman’s risk of developing breast cancer within the next five years.)
What happens if atypical cells are found?
Not all atypical cells are destined to become cancer; they are cells
that have begun to change and are at risk of becoming cancerous. Knowing that
you have atypical cells can help you and your doctor plan a strategy to reduce
your risk of developing breast cancer. A risk management strategy may include:
- Increased breast health monitoring, such as more frequent clinical breast
exams
- Medication, such as tamoxifen, that lowers breast cancer risk
- Surgery such as prophylactic mastectomy (surgery to remove a breast before
cancer develops)
What will I feel during the procedure?
Most women do not find the procedure to be painful, saying it is no more
uncomfortable than a mammogram. You may feel temporary sensations such as
fullness, pinching and tingling in the breast. However, numbing medications
(anesthetics) are used to help reduce discomfort during the procedure.
Is ductal lavage used instead of a mammogram?
No. Ductal lavage is used as an adjunct, or addition, to regular breast
health practices—such as breast self-exams, annual clinical exams and
mammography—not in place of these screening tools. In addition, ductal lavage
is not recommended for women with a low risk for breast cancer.
What risks are associated with this procedure?
There are few risks associated with ductal lavage. Rarely, an infection may
develop at the site of the catheter insertion. It is possible to perforate, or
puncture, the milk duct, although perforation is rare and generally causes no
permanent damage to the breast.
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