Noninvasive intraductal fluid diagnostic screen

Disclosed is a method and apparatus for accomplishing a noninvasive screen for breast disease markers, including breast cancer markers and cytologically abnormal cells. Intraductal fluid is noninvasively aspirated using compression, heating, and suction cycles. The removed sample is thereafter assayed for the presence of cytologically abnormal cells and/or one or more breast disease markers. Sample size and intraductal mobility of breast disease markers may be enhanced by retrograde introduction of a carrier. A portable, self-contained intraductal fluid aspiration device (20) includes a housing (22), one or more controls and/or indicators (25), and a patient or breast interface (24) having a tissue contacting surface (32) for receiving a breast and a second concavity (38) for receiving a nipple. Preferably, the breast interface (24) is provided with a dynamic compression zone (42), having one or more compression elements (45) for compression in the mid breast region to facilitate intraductal fluid aspiration.