Ultrasonography.  2017 Oct;36(4):310-320. 10.14366/usg.17013.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of women with pathologic nipple discharge

• Yoon JH
• Yoon H
• Kim EK
• Moon HJ
• Park YV
• Kim MJ

• KMID: 2393097
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14366/usg.17013

Abstract

Nipple discharge is a common symptom that is alarming for the patient since it can be a presenting symptom of breast cancer. Breast imaging is used to examine women with pathologic nipple discharge in order to detect any lesions that may be present and to assist in the differential diagnosis. The modalities of breast imaging include mammography, breast ultrasonography (US), and magnetic resonance imaging. Breast US is currently considered to be useful for the visualization of ductal structures and intraductal lesions that cause nipple discharge. In this review, we discuss US techniques that assist in the clear visualization of ductal structures and intraductal lesions in patients with nipple discharge. Controversy remains regarding the evaluation and management of patients with nipple discharge, and we summarize the results available in the currently published literature.

Keyword

Breast; Breast diseases; Ultrasonography; Nipple discharge

MeSH Terms

Breast
Breast Diseases
Breast Neoplasms
Diagnosis, Differential
Female
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Mammography
Nipples*
Ultrasonography
Ultrasonography, Mammary