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Overview of Nipple Discharge: Meaning, symptoms, causes & treatment

Team AckoDec 6, 2024

Nipple discharge is a common issue related to the nipple glands in females. Usually, fluid comes out of one or both nipples during such a discharge. This discharge is relatively common among pregnant women, while other times, it might be indicative of an underlying condition.

Not having adequate knowledge about nipple discharge can, at times, cause panic. However, this is rarely related to more terminal illnesses, such as cancer, and is mostly curative. Thus, continue reading the article to learn more about the meaning and symptoms of preventive care required for nipple discharge.

Nipple

Contents

What is Nipple Discharge?
Types of Nipple Discharge
Nipple Discharge Colour
Common causes of Nipple Discharge
Risk factors for Nipple Discharge
Diagnosis of Nipple Discharge
Step-by-step guide to perform a breast self-exam to detect Nipple Discharge early
Treatment of Nipple Discharge
Prevention of Nipple Discharge
When Should I Call a Healthcare Provider About Nipple Discharge?
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nipple Discharge?

Nipple discharge is a medical condition in which fluid leaks from one or both breasts. The discharge can be different in colour and consistency, indicative of the medical issue. While this discharge is expected for lactating women, for others, it can be a symptom of a serious health issue.

Meanwhile, for men, this is purely abnormal and requires medical attention. Moreover, nipple discharge is often associated with medical conditions that require medical aid. However, this is very rarely indicative of cancerous growth.

Types of Nipple Discharge

Nipple discharge often comes in various types with differences in colour and consistency. It is wise to be aware of the discharge types when going for a checkup to identify the right underlying condition. Here are the most common types:

Clear Discharge: When the discharge is clear and does not bear any abnormal colour, you can be assured of a less severe medical condition. However, seeking the help of a medical professional is still recommended.
Milky Discharge: Having a milky discharge from one or both of your nipples is common among females who have been breastfeeding. This can also be seen in women with hormonal changes during their premenopausal stage.
Green Discharge: If the discharge has a green hue, it can be a symptom of cyst growth in the areola or nipple. In such a case, seeking quick healthcare assistance is needed.
Bloody Discharge: A blood discharge can be a serious symptom of a condition requiring immediate medical action. Usually, it shows the growth of a noncancerous tumour, while in very rare cases, it may indicate breast cancer.

Nipple Discharge Colour

Nipple discharge colour can come in handy in determining the underlying issues of the patient. This is why it is important to learn about nipple discharge colours and what they could mean. While sometimes the discharge is clear, showing no serious signs, other times it might be milky in cases of lactating women.

If the discharge is yellow or brown, it can sometimes mean a low-risk medical issue. Meanwhile, a pinkish or bloody discharge can be concerning. Most times, it is indicative of a noncancerous growth underneath the nipple. The green or black discharge also requires immediate medical attention.

Common causes of Nipple Discharge

Nipple discharge is not always serious and sometimes is purely hormonal. Meanwhile, other times, it could be a sign of a condition requiring medical assistance. Here are some of the common causes of nipple discharge.

Pregnancy: During pregnancy, it is very common to have frequent discharge from one or both nipples. It is usually seen more in women who breastfeed or have recently stopped breastfeeding their child.
Hormonal Shift: Hormonal changes can be a contributing factor to nipple discharge, too. During menopause or the premenopausal stages, women may face significant hormonal imbalance, leading to nipple discharge.
Medications: Heavy medication can, at times, lead to discharge from nipples. This includes birth control pills or even antidepressants. In such cases, seeking medical attention is recommended.
Stimulation: Voluntary or involuntary stimulation of nipples can sometimes cause nipple discharge. However, this is not entirely common, and getting a checkup is recommended.
Injury: A breast injury may lead to nipple discharge from issues in the nipple glands and tissues. A healthcare professional is required to diagnose such a case and give medical aid.
Cysts: Noncancerous tumours or cysts can lead to black or bloody nipple discharge. However, this is a serious medical issue requiring immediate attention. In rare situations, this could be a sign of early cancer, too.

Risk factors for Nipple Discharge

Nipple discharge factors may appear to be more common in certain age groups of females than others. This is because certain women are more susceptible to nipple discharge than others. Here is a list of other such risk factors for nipple discharge to be kept in mind:

Breast Infection: Breast infection can sometimes be an underlying medical condition behind nipple discharge. In such a case, seeking medical help is needed.
Hormonal Disturbances: Hormonal disturbances that primarily occur during the menopause and perimenopause stages of a female make older women more likely to get nipple discharge.
Breastfeeding: Women who are lactating or breastfeeding have a higher tendency to get nipple discharge even without stimulation. This is also the case for pregnant women.
Breast Surgery: If you have recently had breast surgery and are beginning to experience nipple discharge, it could mean a possible issue with the mammary glands, which require medical aid.
Heavy Medications: Taking heavy doses of medication can put off the hormonal balance in the body, bringing about unwanted changes such as nipple discharge. Common medications responsible for this include contraceptives and antidepressants.

Diagnosis of Nipple Discharge

After you have learned and evaluated your nipple discharge, getting yourself the right treatment is the next step. Hence, here is the list of tests used to determine the underlying issues:

Imaging: Various tests like ultrasound, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), mammogram, or X-ray used for breasts may be put to use to diagnose the medical issue.
Hormone Blood Test: Your healthcare assistant may take a small sample of your blood to conduct a few basic tests to measure the prolactin and thyroid levels.
Biopsy: After conducting a physical exam, breast tissue might be taken for further evaluation and testing. This step is usually performed if abnormalities are found in the imaging results.
Ductogram: In this process, a contrast dye is injected into your glands to check for any abnormalities under a mammogram. This is considered one of the best ways to examine the milk ducts if abnormalities are found.

Step-by-step guide to perform a breast self-exam to detect Nipple Discharge early

Knowing how to perform breast self-exams may save you from getting into critical medical situations. Hence, here is how to perform a breast self-exam without much discomfort.

Visual Examination: Start with standing in front of a mirror to clearly and carefully check for changes in your breasts' shape or size. If you find none, raise your hands and check again.
Feel for Lumps: In the next step, lie down and use the pads of your fingers to apply mild pressure on your breasts. Do so in a circular pattern and feel for any potential lumps.
Check for Discharge: At last, gently press your areola and squeeze your nipples to check for any discharge. If you have nipple discharge, check for its colour and consistency and consult a doctor.

Treatment of Nipple Discharge

Firstly, checking for the probable cause of the nipple discharge will give way to the right kind of treatment. Here is a list of the basic treatments provided for the different underlying conditions:

Hormonal Imbalance: In cases of hormonal imbalances caused by natural causes like menopause, specific medication may be provided to stop the discharge. Meanwhile, if the hormonal disturbance is caused by a medication like antidepressants, you may be asked to stop it.
Cysts of Lumps: In the case of cancerous and noncancerous growth cysts, a surgical process might be more helpful. If it is cancer, then the treatment would vary depending on the stage of the tumour, ranging from chemotherapy to surgery.
Breast Infections: If the discharge is found to have been caused by an infection in the gland or milk duct, antibiotics might be provided. Warm compresses may also be prescribed to reduce any discomfort.

Prevention of Nipple Discharge

Preventing nipple discharge is a hundred-fold easier than going through several stages of diagnosis and treatment for an aggravated medical situation because of it. Hence, here is how to maintain breast health and prevent nipple discharge:

Regular Breast Self-Exams: Conducting regular breast exams is the easiest way to steer clear of any unwanted breast and nipple disorders. Check for lumps and discharge while conducting self-exams.
Frequent Check-ups: Adding frequent medical check-ups alongside breast self-exams to your lifestyle can help you maintain safe breast health and avoid nipple discharge.
Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle: Eating healthy, staying hydrated, and regular exercise can lead to a better lifestyle and a healthier body, helping you stay away from nipple discharge.
Avoiding Heavy Unnecessary Medication: Any unnecessary medication that might be in heavy doses is recommended to be avoided. Antidepressants and birth control pills sometimes can contribute to nipple discharge, too.

When Should I Call a Healthcare Provider About Nipple Discharge?

Nipple discharge, at most times, is hormonal and not to be worried about. However, it is essential to know when to call a healthcare provider before the situation becomes a medical emergency. Hence, here are some signs to look out for:

Fluid Comes from One Breast: If the discharge comes out of only one nipple, then it could be a sign of some other underlying issue. This would be the correct time to go for a check-up.
Bloody Discharge: If the discharge is pinky or black or is bloody in colour, then it is a serious medical condition that would require medical attention almost immediately.
Happens to a Male: Nipple discharge in cases of males is not only rare and abnormal but also a sign of something serious. Hence, getting yourself checked would be the right response.
Happens to Older Women: If the discharge happens to women who have crossed their menopause, then the discharge could be stimulated by other medical issues.
Is Accompanied by a Lump: While getting a discharge, if you can feel a lumpy tissue in one or two of your breasts, it could mean a cyst or, in rare cases, cancer.

Conclusion

Nipple discharge is a common occurrence that can affect both men and women, and it can have various causes. While in many cases, it's harmless and linked to hormonal changes, it can sometimes indicate an underlying health condition such as infections or benign growths. If the discharge is spontaneous, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms like a lump or changes in breast appearance, it is important to seek medical advice. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to addressing potential health issues. Always consult a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation to rule out any serious conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Listed below are some commonly asked questions regarding ND

When should I be concerned about Nipple Discharge?

Nipple discharge is normal in some cases, such as during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, it can also be a sign of an underlying condition. You should seek medical attention if the discharge is bloody or clear and sticky, spontaneous and coming from one breast only, accompanied by a lump or swelling in the breast, and associated with nipple pain, redness, or fever.

How often should women perform a breast self-exam?

It is recommended that women perform a breast self-exam once a month.

What to look for during a breast self-exam?

You should look for any lumps or changes in the size, shape, or texture of your breasts.

When to schedule the first mammogram?

Women should schedule their first mammogram at age 40, or earlier if they have a family history of breast cancer.

How often should one get a mammogram?

Women should get a mammogram every one to two years, depending on their age and risk factors.

Can certain medications cause Nipple Discharge?

Yes, certain medications such as birth control pills, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications, may cause Nipple Discharge.

Is Nipple Discharge always a sign of breast cancer?

No, Nipple Discharge is not always a sign of breast cancer. It can be caused by many different things, and in most cases, it is not a cause for concern. However, it is important to speak with your doctor if you experience ND so they can determine the cause and rule out any potential health issues.

Can stress or anxiety cause Nipple Discharge?

No, stress and anxiety are not known to cause Nipple Discharge.

What are some natural ways to stop breast discharge?

Here are some natural ways to stop breast discharge.

Apply a warm compress to your breasts.

Wear a well-fitting and supportive bra.

Try taking vitamin B6 or evening primrose oil supplements.

Limit your intake of caffeine and chocolate.

Reduce stress through relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.

Should I be concerned if my Nipple Discharge is only from one breast?

It's always a good idea to speak with your doctor if you experience Nipple Discharge, regardless of whether it is from one breast or both. However, if you are experiencing ND from only one breast, it could be a sign of a problem such as a blockage in the milk duct or a growth in the breast.

Is yellow Nipple Discharge a sign of breast cancer?

There's no easy way to know if a yellow nipple is a sign of breast cancer without getting a proper diagnosis. However, yellow Nipple Discharge can be a symptom of several conditions, including breast infections and even some medications.

What are some medications to treat Nipple Discharge?

If your Nipple Discharge is caused by a hormonal imbalance, your doctor may prescribe medications to help regulate your hormones. Some common options include birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and medications that block the production of certain hormones.

References

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. Please consult a doctor before making any health-related decisions.