[Exfoliative cytology of nipple discharge (author's transl)].

Due to the exfoliative cytology of the nipple discharge, intracanalicular proliferations within the millimeter range can be detected. Accordingly, this diagnostic method is firmly integrated in the mammary early diagnostics. Within the period reported on so far 3420 women with a pathological secretion could be examined. In 1669 cases there was a bilateral secretion. Thus, altogether 5089 mammae could be cytologically explored. Mammary cytodiagnostics was centered on the bleeding mamma, the myotheliae and galactophoritis. In addition exfoliative cytology can also yield some other diagnostic results, such as the detection of fungiproved in respective cultures. Galactography which was performed in 1053 cases, may be considered to be the only diagnostic consequence resulting from a pathological cytotest. Every 6th galactogram had to be judged as being pathological, and every 5th galactogram histologically clarified revealed a malignant or premalignant proliferation. Accordingly, women manifesting a pathological secretion should be regarded as risk-patients.