NIPPLE DISCHARGE

Fluid leaking from the nipple of women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding is not necessarily abnormal, even after menopause. It is important to understand that the breast is a gland and secretions from the nipple of a woman may have normal causes.

Small amounts of leaking can occur with women who are taking birth control pills, or who are on other medications such as antidepressants, tranquillizers, and high doses of estrogen. Nipple discharge can also occur from an under active thyroid or from infections in the nipple or breast.

When the ducts beneath the nipple become blocked, this can cause a thick sticky discharge from the nipple. A milky discharge can be from overproduction of a hormone called prolactin. Other reasons for a milky discharge are from sexual stimulation, or mechanical stimulation, such as direct flow of water during showering. The use of a bra that is poorly fitted with under wires can also cause a discharge.

Nipple discharge that has been related to breast cancer almost always occurs on one side and is generally bloody. Fibrocystic breast changes or a noncancerous lump in the milk duct can also cause a bloody discharge. A bloody discharge in most cases is usually not related to cancer.

A smart and safe principle to follow is to notify your healthcare provider. Your provider might take of sample of the discharge and send it out to a lab to be analyzed. Treatment can range from keeping the nipple clean, using antibiotics, or having lumps in the milk ducts removed. When a specific cause cannot be found, treatment will usually include avoiding nipple stimulation.

Even though most nipple discharge is not serious, every type of discharge should be medically evaluated. It is important to understand that less than 10 percent of women with nipple discharge have cancer.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File WOME3249.rf2 VRS# 7108 Data Version 7.0