title: [Progress of ductoscopy of the breast].
abstract: Ductoscopy of the breast was initially performed utilizing a rigid scope. Improvements in endoscopic equipment and introduction of the silica-fiberscope have enabled observation of intraductal lesions. The silica-fiberscope can be gradually moved into peripheral sites, after which the endoscopic findings are compared with histological features and diagnostic imaging. The most common symptom dictating endoscopic examination is a discharge from the nipple in which no palpable mass is detected. The fiberscope is introduced through the duct orifice on the surface of the nipple. The characteristic feature of a cancerous lesion is a superficial spread along the surface of the ductal lumen, which differs from the typical features of intraductal papilloma. Microsampling methods such as tube curette cytology should be used to obtain a definitive diagnosis. Endoscopic examination can provide valuable information which will be helpful in the decision process such as; surgical methods, nipple-preservation, and breast conservation.
authors.affiliation: First Department of Surgery, Sapporo Medical University, Japan.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Okazaki
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Okazaki
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hirata
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Tsumanuma
mesh_terms: D001940:Breast / Q000473:pathology*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D019723:Endoscopes; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015412:Mastectomy, Segmental / Q000379:methods; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests