Understanding the Difference Between HALO and Ductal Lavage
I found it enlightening when one of my patients was excited to learn about the HALO Breast Pap Test because of its similarity to a breast cancer screening test performed in Europe decades ago. While she lived outside of the U.S., she was offered a similar test called Ductal Lavage, but declined it because of its invasive and painful method of administration. Sometimes, physicians confuse ductal lavage with HALO. It’s important to understand the difference, in case your doctor does not. Ductal lavage is an invasive procedure indicated only for women who are already at high risk for developing breast cancer.
In contrast, the HALO Breast Pap Test is a noninvasive, significantly less uncomfortable risk assessment tool used to determine which women without symptoms are at highest risk for developing breast cancer. HALO combines warm water, compression and suction to bring nipple aspirate fluid (NAF) to the surface. NAF is found in the milk ducts where 95% of all breast cancers originate. The entire cycle is five minutes and is easily incorporated into your well-woman visit. If you produce fluid, the sample is then sent to the lab and analyzed for cellular abnormalities.
The concept of obtaining and analyzing cells from the breast is not unique, and HALO is much more practical and amenable for the widespread risk assessment of breast cancer.
July 31, 2009 Comments (0) 
