The role of mammary ductoscopy in the assessment of breast disease.

Mammary ductoscopy (MD) allows direct visualization of the mammary ducts using sub-millimetre fiberoptic microendoscopes inserted through the ductal opening onto the nipple surface. MD is a useful diagnostic adjunct in patients with pathological nipple discharge (PND). Furthermore it can reduce the number and extent of duct excision operations for PND.

Predictors of positive margins after local excision of ductal carcinoma in situ.

Background: This study aimed to examine the association between clinicopathologic parameters and positive margins in women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) treated by breast-conserving surgery (BCS).

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical, radiologic, and pathologic data of 100 women who had undergone BCS for DCIS in our center.

Results: Sixty-seven percent of patients presented via breast screening and 55% of all cases were diagnosed preoperatively on fine needle aspiration cytology ([FNAC] ie, C5).

The prevention of breast cancer: an overview.

The role of lifestyle modifications, antioestrogens, cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitors and prophylactic mastectomy in reducing breast cancer is reviewed. It is concluded that avoiding postmenopausal obesity and regular physical activity are simple measures that seem to reduce breast cancer risk. There is no conclusive evidence that dietary modification and vitamin supplementation significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer.