ductal lavage


ductal lavage

Cytology The harvesting of cells from the mammary ducts in an attempt to identify CA at an early, possibly more treatable stage. See Breast cancer.

ductal lavage

The injection of a small amount of saline into the ducts of the breast through a miniature catheter, followed by collection of the fluid and the cells that wash out with it. The cells are analyzed for evidence of early changes that may suggest an increased risk of future cancers. Occasionally they may reveal an already established cancer. See also: lavage