Nipple Discharge
Most often, nipple discharge is associated with hormonal or aging changes (ductal ectasia). Nipple discharge that occurs rarely and in tiny drops, or which occurs during breast self-examination or other breast manipulation, is fairly common. Less common is persistent nipple discharge which is spontaneous and/or occurs in measurable amounts.
If you experience nipple discharge, note its characteristics: color, consistency, amount, any activity preceding the discharge, and where the discharge comes from. All nipple discharge findings should be evaluated.
How is this problem treated?
Complaints of nipple discharge should be evaluated by a clinical breast exam and appropriate screening studies. If the doctor or nurse practitioner finds no abnormalities, an examination of the breast every three to six months should provide adequate follow-up.
If nipple discharge is found on examination, your physician will try to localize the area from which the nipple discharge originates, determine whether there is blood in the fluid, and consider collecting cytology and/or bacteriology smears of the fluid.
Your doctor may want to perform a diagnostic study like a ductogram, but only when the source and location of the nipple discharge is known.
Wedge resection of the involved sub-areolar area of the breast may resolve a persistent nipple discharge problem. A persistent or recurrent nipple discharge may indicate a papillary cancer. However, most nipple discharge is benign.
Lumps and thickening
Breast pain
Discharge from the nipple
Breast infection
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