A patient with persistent unilateral clear nipple discharge is advised to undergo which diagnostic procedure?

A mammogram, possibly accompanied by ultrasound, is recommended for a patient with persistent unilateral clear nipple discharge to assess for underlying abnormalities within the breast. This type of discharge, especially when it is unilateral, raises concern for various conditions, some of which can be benign while others may indicate malignancy or other pathologies needing further investigation.

The mammogram serves as a first-line imaging tool to visualize the breast tissue, helping to detect any masses, calcifications, or other irregularities. If the mammogram findings are inconclusive or indicate potential issues, an ultrasound may be employed for a more detailed evaluation of the breast tissue and ducts.

This procedure is particularly important in assessing the breast in a structured manner before considering more invasive procedures like a biopsy, which are not the first step unless something concerning is identified. Clinical observation could be appropriate in certain contexts, but given the persistence of the discharge, proactive investigation through imaging is warranted. Hormonal evaluation might be relevant in cases of hormonal imbalance leading to discharge, but it would not directly address the need for a thorough imaging assessment in this scenario.