A microcatheter is inserted through the nipple and saline flushed through to wash out any cells. The cells are then examined for cancer. The study, by researchers from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, involved 426 high-risk women. Of the 470 breasts tested, 15.1 percent showed signs of premalignancy and 5.1 percent revealed they were suspicious for malignancy or definitely malignant. Follow-up with other tests in some of the cases confirmed the presence of cancer.
Researchers say the procedure is safe and well tolerated by patients.
They say it may be a useful addition to mammography for the detection of breast cancer. The study was presented at this week's Annual Meeting of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. While doctors say the test will likely never replace mammogram, it may be useful for patients who have a family history of the disease or who have had the cancer in one breast.