Studying Cells Collected Through Ductal Lavage in Women Undergoing Surgery for Ductal Carcinoma In Situ or Other Breast Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Agrees to undergo breast surgical procedure AND meets one of the following criteria: * Scheduled to undergo breast biopsy based on suspicious mammographic or clinical breast examination findings * Diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or carcinoma in the breast to be studied (opposite breast may also be studied) * Hormone receptor status not specified PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: * Female * Pre- or post-menopausal * Not currently pregnant or pregnant within the past 12 months * Must not have lactated within the past 12 months * No active infection or inflammation in the breast to be studied * No known allergy to lidocaine, prilocaine, or marcaine (bupivacaine) PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: * See Disease Characteristics * No prior subareolar surgery or other breast procedure that may disrupt the ductal system within 2 cm of the nipple in the breast to be studied * No prior breast implant that disrupts the ductal architecture in the breast to be studied * No prior silicone injections in the breast to be studied * No prior radiotherapy to the breast to be studied * No chemotherapy within the past 6 months * Concurrent prophylactic chemotherapy allowed * No concurrent participation in another research study that may conflict with or affect the outcome of this study