Nipple discharge
Nipple discharge is fluid that comes out of the nipple of the breast and is not milk or caused by pregnancy or breastfeeding.[1][2] The discharge can be different colors. It can be thick or thin. Nipple discharge can come from one breast or both.[3] Many men have had nipple discharge.[4] Nipple discharge in men is not normal. Ninety-seven percent of the time, nipple discharge is not cancer.[2]
Sometimes discharge from nipples will get better and not need treatment. Once in a while it can be a sign of breast cancer. Newborn babies can have milky nipple discharge.[4] This is because hormones from the mother cause milk to develop in the baby. This kind of discharge goes away in 2 weeks.[1]
Here are some of the reasons for nipple discharge:
- Rubbing the nipple from a bra or t-shirt
- Non-cancerous tumor
- Infection
- Clogging of the milk ducts
- Normal lumpiness in the breast
- Using herbs, such as anise and fennel[1]
- Breast infection
- Kidney or liver problems[2]
Some medications can cause nipple discharge. These medicines are opioids, antideptressants, birth control pills, antihypertensives, and antipsychotics.[2] A woman can have changes in her breasts as she gets older. Some of these changes can be the cause of nipple discharge.[5]
A doctor or nurse will often ask a woman to have a examination. Medical tests can find the reason for the nipple discharge. A mammogram and ultrasound are two tests that a doctor might use. The doctor may want to get a sample of the fluid by using a needle to take it out. The fluid that comes out of the nipple may be collected and tested.[5][4]
Sometimes nipple discharge is treated with an operation. Even after surgery another operation may be needed.[5]
Other websites[change | change source]
- Some Causes of Nipple Discharge, from Merck Manuals
References[change | change source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Nipple discharge: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia". medlineplus.gov. Retrieved 2018-08-19.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Sajadi-Ernazarova, Karima R.; Sugumar, Kavin; Adigun, Rotimi (2022), "Breast Nipple Discharge", StatPearls, Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing, PMID 28613688, retrieved 2022-04-16
- ↑ "Abnormal discharge from the nipple: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia Image". medlineplus.gov. Retrieved 2018-08-19.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "Nipple discharge". National Health Service. 2017-10-19. Retrieved 2023-07-08.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "Benign breast conditions: duct ectasia". Breast Cancer Care. 2015-06-03. Retrieved 2018-08-19.