Breast carcinogenesis: can the examination of ductal fluid enhance our understanding?
OBJECTIVE
To explore current breast carcinogenesis theories and the possibility of examining breast epithelial cells to confirm steps in the carcinogenic process and the relationship between intraductal sampling techniques and their role in enhanced risk prediction.


METHODS
Published articles, textbooks, and conference proceedings.


RESULTS
Examining breast epithelial cells may provide insight into the carcinogenic process while it is occurring. Methods of extracting breast epithelial cells include nipple aspiration, ductal lavage, and periareolar fine-needle aspiration.


CONCLUSIONS
Nipple aspiration, ductal lavage, and periareolar fine-needle aspiration are viable means of examining possible precursors to breast tumors. Differentiating between true precursors and benign changes is an important step in breast cancer risk assessment.


CONCLUSIONS
Nipple aspiration and ductal lavage may be performed in an outpatient setting. RNs and advanced practice nurses may perform these procedures and discuss results with patients.
Baltzell
Kimberly
K
Department of Physiologic Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA. kbaltzell@earthlink.net
Eder
Suzanne
S
Wrensch
Margaret
M
D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000451:nursing; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; D004847:Epithelial Cells; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010045:Outpatients; D012307:Risk Factors; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation