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McKesson Clinical Reference Systems: Women's Health Advisor 2002.2
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 health care 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. Each of your nipples contains tiny openings through
which fluid can pass.
How does it occur?
Nipple discharge is usually a symptom of another condition.
The color and consistency of the discharge, as well as
whether it comes from one or both breasts, helps the health
care provider know what is causing it.
- A clear, straw-colored discharge sometimes develops in
early pregnancy.
- A thin, milky discharge may occur when you are pregnant,
while you are breast-feeding, and for a while after you
finish breast-feeding.
- A milky 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 a
hormone imbalance, pituitary tumor, certain drugs (such
as tranquilizers or birth control pills), or a cyst under
the darkened area that surrounds 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
(intraductal papilloma), or breast cancer.
A hard blow to the chest may also cause nipple discharge.
How is it diagnosed?
Your health care provider will examine your breasts and get
a sample of the discharge to send to the lab for testing. A
sample of your blood may also be tested for the hormone
prolactin to see if the pituitary gland is functioning
normally. Another possible test is a mammogram (x-ray of
the breast) or ultrasound of the breast.
How is it treated?
If you are pregnant, no treatment is necessary. The
discharge will stop soon after you stop breast-feeding.
The treatment depends on the cause. Possible treatments
include:
- taking medication or stopping a medication you have been
taking
- surgery
- radiation therapy (if cancer is the cause).
How long will the effects of nipple discharge 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 health care provider will examine you frequently to see
if your condition changes.
How can I take care of myself?
- Be sure you follow your health care 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 health care provider.
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