Benefits and Risks – Galactography

Benefits

• Galactography exams can find small cancerous and non-cancerous masses that cannot be identified in any other way so that they may be removed at an early stage.
• A galactogram, or image from a Galactography exam, identifies the location of the tumors in the breast for the surgeon.

Risks

• Galactography is a minimally invasive procedure meaning there is a chance for infection if sterile practice is not followed.
• It is possible to injure the duct, either during the process of placing the catheter or while injecting contrast material. This almost always heals on its own.
• It is possible to miss the area of concern, or to put the catheter into the incorrect duct, potentially delaying the diagnosis.
• Women should always inform SMIL if there is any possibility that they are pregnant.