Breast duct endoscopy
Encyclopedia
Breast duct endoscopy is a method used to examine the lining of the lactiferous duct
s to look for abnormal tissue. A very thin, flexible
, lighted tube attached to a camera is inserted through the nipple
, and threaded into the breast ducts deep in the breast. Tissue and fluid samples may be removed during the procedure.
Lactiferous duct
Lactiferous ducts lead from the lobules of the mammary gland to the tip of the nipple. They are also referred to as galactophores, galactophorous ducts, mammary ducts, mamillary ducts and milk ducts...
s to look for abnormal tissue. A very thin, flexible
Flexible
Flexible may refer to:* Flexible electrical cable, also known as a power cord* Flexible electronics* Flexible response* Flexible mold* Flextime* Flexible-fuel vehicle* Flexible rake receiver* Flexible spending account, a tax-advantaged savings account...
, lighted tube attached to a camera is inserted through the nipple
Nipple
In its most general form, a nipple is a structure from which a fluid emanates. More specifically, it is the projection on the breasts or udder of a mammal by which breast milk is delivered to a mother's young. In this sense, it is often called a teat, especially when referring to non-humans, and...
, and threaded into the breast ducts deep in the breast. Tissue and fluid samples may be removed during the procedure.
External links
- Breast duct endoscopy entry in the public domain NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms