Nipple Discharge
Nipple discharge is any fluid or liquid that comes out from the nipple duct.
Nipple discharge is common especially during the reproductive years and although often not serious, it should be investigated to rule out possibilities of malignancy
Symptoms and Signs
- Nipple discharge can come in many different colors and sometimes, the color of the discharge can give us a clue to its possible diagnosis.
- Discharge can come out from single duct or multiple ducts
Colour |
Possible Causes |
White, cloudy, yellow, pus-like |
Infection |
Green |
Cysts |
Brown or cheese like |
Duct Ectasia (blocked milk duct) |
Clear |
Breast cancer |
Bloody |
Papillomatosis or breast cancer |
Source : Healthline
- Other associated symptoms include breast pain / tenderness,
- Nipple changes like nipple retraction, dimpling
- Nipple rash or redness
- Fever
Causes of Nipple Discharge
- Breast infection or abscess due to breastfeeding or lactation
- Oral contraceptive hormone pills
- Intraductal papilloma
- Drugs that increase milk-producing hormone prolactin eg antidepressants
- Over stimulation of breast or nipple
- Fibrocystic breast changes
- Hormonal changes during menses and menopause
- Duct ectasia
- Prolactinoma
- Breast cancer
Diagnosis and Investigation
- Breast imaging – mammogram and ultrasound.
- Breast biopsy – FNAC , Core biopsy
Treatment
- Treatment will depend on the cause of discharge