[Mamilloscopy in the diagnosis of diseases of the nipple and areola].

Mamilloscopy is useful in identifying the mostly inflammatory lesions and dermatoses of the mamilla and areola and to follow up and supervise the course of treatment of these diseases. This can often help to avoid unnecessary tissue sampling. If there is any suspicion of tumourous changes, additive cytology is indicated as a matter of principle, since this combination of methods--in a similar manner as at the cervical portico--achieves optimum safety in diagnosis. However, in rare cases even this combined procedure will not clarify matters sufficiently. It is then that additional histological examination is imperative for a more precise diagnosis. Mamilloscopy can be a valuable tool in early diagnosis of Paget's disease because of the possibility of enlargement offered by the colposcope.