Nipple Discharge
There are many reasons for nipple discharge. In this discussion you will learn about the different types of nipple discharge and the causes of each type. You will learn how your healthcare provider diagnoses the cause of your discharge and how it may be treated.
What is nipple discharge?
Nipple discharge is any kind of fluid that comes out of your nipple, and is seen in 3 to 8% of women. Each of your nipples contains tiny openings through which fluid can pass. Although most nipple discharge is not serious, any discharge should be evaluated by your healthcare provider.
How does it occur?
Nipple discharge is very common in teens and usually has a normal cause. Sometimes it may be a symptom of another condition. The color and consistency of the discharge, as well as whether it comes from one or both breasts, help your healthcare provider know what is causing it.
- A clear, straw-colored discharge sometimes develops in early pregnancy.
- You may have a thin, milky discharge when you are pregnant, while you are breast-feeding, and for a while after you finish breast-feeding.
- A whitish or greenish discharge may occur in someone who is not pregnant or breast-feeding. In this case the discharge is called galactorrhea. It may be caused by some medicines, such as birth control pills. It may also be caused by a hormone imbalance, pituitary tumor, or a cyst under the darkened area around the nipple. Also, any woman who has had a baby, whether or not she breast-fed her baby, may later have galactorrhea.
- A discharge containing pus indicates a breast infection.
- A bloody discharge may be caused by abnormal breast tissue, a tiny noncancerous tumor growing in a milk duct (called intraductal papilloma), or breast cancer.
- A clear, yellow, or bloody discharge may occur after a hard blow to the chest. The discharge may be caused by dying fatty tissue in the breast (called fat necrosis). In this case, the dying fatty tissue will feel like a lump and you may need a biopsy to make sure the lump is not caused by cancer.
Nipple discharge may also happen:
- when your breasts are stimulated or by a poorly fitted bra, especially if you jog, do aerobics, or lift weights
- if you have thyroid disease
- after chemotherapy
How is it diagnosed?
Your provider will also ask about your medical history, such as whether you have stopped having menstrual periods, are having trouble getting pregnant, or having headaches or vision problems. Your provider will also ask about what medicines you are taking.
Your healthcare provider will examine your breasts. Possible tests are:
- lab tests of the discharge
- blood tests
- mammogram (X-ray of the breasts)
- ultrasound scan of your breasts
- CT scan (computerized X-rays) of your brain to look at your pituitary gland
- biopsy of lumps
How is it treated?
The treatment depends on the cause. Sometimes no treatment may be needed. If you are pregnant, the discharge will stop soon after you deliver unless you are breast-feeding. Possible treatments for other causes are:
- taking medicine or stopping a medicine you have been taking
- surgery, for example, to remove a cyst
- radiation therapy or chemotherapy if cancer is the cause
How long will the effects last?
Nipple discharge not caused by pregnancy or breast-feeding will last until the problem causing the discharge is found and treated. If no cause for your discharge can be found, your healthcare provider will examine you often to see if your condition changes.
How can I take care of myself?
- Follow your healthcare provider's instructions and keep your appointments for checkups.
- Check regularly for any changes in your nipples and any change in the fluid that leaks out. Report any changes to your provider.
Developed by RelayHealth.
Published by RelayHealth.
© 2009 RelayHealth and/or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.
