nipple discharge
Last reviewed 01/2018
Nippple discharge is a common presenting symptom in women of reproductive age
- it is the third most common breast complaint after breast pain and breast mass
- most often caused by a benign condition (around 97% of cases) (1,2)
Nipple discharge may be
- physiological
- usually bilateral and involves multiple ducts
- associated with nipple stimulation or breast compression
- milky nipple discharge can be due to
- pregnancy - may persist for up to one year postpartum or after cessation of breastfeeding
- galactorrhea – in non pregnant status, caused by an endocrinopathy
- pathological
- is usually spontaneous and unilateral
- may be associated with a mass or new skin changes
- appearance may be bloody, serous, green or black in colour
- most common causes are
- intraductal papilloma (48%)
- ductal ectasia (15%–20%)
- carcinoma (10%–15%) (1,2,3)
Reference:
nipple discharge characteristics based on aetiology
evaluation of patient with nipple discharge