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A liquid discharge from the breast may be white, bloody, or even a mixture of colours. A yellow or white sticky liquid from the nipple may be present in both breasts at the end of a woman's period. This is usually found when the breasts are squeezed and is caused by repeated stimulation from sex, pregnancy, or drug use. If a breast exam by a doctor is otherwise normal, with no masses or pain, treatment is not usually necessary.
Elevated prolactin levels are another common cause of nipple discharge. Prolactin is the hormone which is active in breast feeding women and is produced by the pituitary gland. Levels of this hormone are usually increased by an adenoma (tumour) in the gland. Very rarely these growths can be cancerous. Cancer may exist when the breast discharge is bloody or very watery. In women over 50, cancer is the main cause for this type of discharge. In all women this is serious and needs to be examined by a doctor. The fluid will be tested for abnormal cells. A careful examination of the breast as well as a mammogram will be done. If a problem is found, the area involved may be sampled with a needle or with a larger sample called a biopsy. Treatment will depend on the findings of these tests. A multicoloured discharge, especially with an itchy or burning feeling of the breast can occur in women nearing menopause. As long as no mass is felt and the mammogram is normal, the affected breast is easily treated with careful regular cleaning of the breast with special soaps. Women are becoming more aware of the importance of the monthly breast examination. As a result, problems with breast discharge can be detected early, evaluated, and treated. Even though most breast discharge is not serious, every type of discharge should be evaluated by a doctor. Article #7108 Copyright (c) 2002 McKesson. All Rights Reserved. |
