Nipple aspiration in diagnosis of breast cancer

It has been shown that early detection of breast cancer saves lives. Mammography and physical examination are currently the most commonly utilized screening methods for breast cancer. Research is being carried out to optimize these screening methods, as well as to develop new techniques. This review summarizes the findings of the research focusing on the diagnostic techniques involving the breast ductal system to date. These tests include nipple fluid cytology, nipple fluid tumor markers, ductogram, and ductoscopy. Semin. Surg. Oncol. 20:175–180, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.