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Treatment after Positive Ductogram - Nipple Discharge?
by Laulor, Apr 11, 2008 12:14AM
Last month I noticed small specks of bloody looking discharge from my left nipple on my bra. This lasted for a few weeks and then the discharge turned clear. My doctor performed a cytology on the fluid (which was negative). I had a mammogram and ultrasound last week which were also negative and today I had a ductogram. The radiologist described the findings as a sausage-shaped mass in the duct that measures 8 mm, she referred to it as a 'filling defect'. She said I have to have surgery to remove the duct. She told me that there's an 85% chance it's a benign intraductal papilloma which I understand is a warty type of growth in the duct. Is removal of the duct the usual treatment for this? The radiologist also mentioned the possibility of having an MRI but she doesn't know if my insurance would cover this. Should I have the MRI even if I have to pay for it myself, or just have the duct removed? Any advice would be appreciated. Don't know if this helps, but I'm 50 yrs. old.
Post Comment
You should go ahead with the surgery - removal of the duct is done for intraductal papilloma and the surgical specimen would be sent for lab analysis to get a confirmed diagnosis and to rule out malignancy.
The role of MRI is limited and you need not get it done as yet.
You could read up the details of intraductal papilloma and its management at -
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/nipple-discharge/WO00093
Let us know if you have any other doubts and post us about how you are doing.
Regards.
I will be going ahead with the surgery to remove the duct. Just have to wait for a referral to a surgeon.
If anyone has had a duct removed, what was it like? Was there much recuperation time?
I had a fibroadenoma removed about 15 years ago, that wasn't too bad, I was back to normal activities in a day or so, just nothing strenuous.
Glad the post was of some hep to you. You could talk about the procedure in detail with your doctor or breast surgeon and clear out any doubts that you have.
Do not worry about the MRI or any other lesions at this moment. Your doctor possibly wanted to give you all the possible options and be thorough, when he/she suggested the MRI.
Let us know about how you are doing and if you have any other doubts.
For when is your surgery scheduled?
Keep us posted.
Regards.