Patent ID: 8275453

Claim:
A method for determining a condition of a region of ductal epithelial breast tissue comprising: (A) establishing a connection between a first electrode and the epithelial breast tissue comprising: (1) placing over the nipple of a breast a cup having an interior volume, first and second openings, and a current-passing first electrode disposed within the interior volume; (2) placing a source of suction in communication with the first opening; (3) introducing an electroconductive medium within the interior of the cup; and (4) applying suction to the first opening; (B) placing a second electrode in contact with the surface of the breast; (C) establishing a signal between the first and second electrodes; (D) measuring an electrical property between the first and second electrode; and (E) determining the condition of the ductal epithelial tissue based on the measured electrical property between the first and second electrode.