FAQs
Nipple discharge that is spontaneous, blood-stained, persistent, and unrelated to pregnancy or breast feeding needs to be investigated further. This investigation will include clinical examination by a doctor, and imaging of the breast with a mammogram and/or breast ultrasound.
What is the best treatment for nipple discharge? ›
How is nipple discharge treated?
- Changing or stopping a medication.
- Removing a lump or cyst.
- Taking out a milk duct.
- Medications like antibiotics for breast infections.
- Treating the condition causing the discharge.
Nipple discharge that is spontaneous, blood-stained, persistent, and unrelated to pregnancy or breast feeding needs to be investigated further. This investigation will include clinical examination by a doctor, and imaging of the breast with a mammogram and/or breast ultrasound.
Is it okay to squeeze out nipple discharge? ›
The color of the discharge does not tell you whether it is normal. The discharge can look milky, clear, yellow, green, or brown. Squeezing your nipple to check for discharge can make it worse. Leaving the nipple alone may make the discharge stop.
Should I go to the doctor for nipple discharge? ›
Nipple discharge means any fluid that comes out of a breast nipple. Nipple discharge during pregnancy and breast-feeding is typical. At other times, it may not be cause for worry. But it's good to have a healthcare professional examine your breasts if the nipple discharge is a new symptom.
Can puberty cause nipple discharge in boys? ›
Men who are going through puberty may experience nipple discharge because of the changing hormone levels in their body. Squeezing and manipulating the nipples can cause discharge to happen more frequently.
How long should nipple discharge last? ›
Nipple discharge is any fluid that leaks from one or both nipples. It is normal during pregnancy and when breastfeeding. Some women may experience a milky white discharge from the nipples for up to three years after breastfeeding, which is usually normal.
Can a 13 year old have nipple discharge? ›
Most of the time, nipple discharge in teens isn't serious. But talk with your doctor if you have worries or concerns. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety.
What is the most common cause of nipple discharge? ›
The most common cause of these discharges is intraductal papillomas, but fibrocystic disease, advanced duct ectasia, cancer of the breast, and vascular engorgement in near-term pregnancy can also be causative.
How much nipple discharge is worrisome? ›
Types of Nipple Discharge
Color: Worrisome discharge is typically either bloody or clear. Discharge that is green, milky, or other colors is almost always of no concern. However, if you have large amounts of milky discharge and you are not breastfeeding, it should be brought to the attention of your physician.
Types and symptoms
| Color | Possible cause |
|---|
| green | cysts |
| brown or cheese-like | mammary duct ectasia (blocked milk duct) |
| clear | breast cancer, especially if only coming from one breast papilloma |
| bloody | papilloma breast cancer |
1 more rowBoth abnormal and normal nipple discharge can be clear, yellow, white, or green in color. Normal nipple discharge more commonly occurs in both nipples and is often released when the nipples are compressed or squeezed. Some women who are concerned about breast secretions may actually cause it to worsen.
When should I get my nipple discharge checked? ›
It can be lots of different colours, including clear, white, yellow, green or bloody. Nipple discharge may be nothing serious, but sometimes it can be a sign of an underlying condition, including a breast cyst or breast cancer. You should always get it checked.
What does unhealthy nipple discharge look like? ›
Nipple discharge may not be problematic if it's milky, yellow, or green, or if it's due to factors like a recent stop with breastfeeding. You may want to see a healthcare provider, however, if you have abnormal discharge like bloody discharge.
What is considered abnormal nipple discharge? ›
Spontaneous unilateral nipple discharge, regardless of color, is considered abnormal. Nipple discharge can be serous (yellow), mucinous (clear and watery), milky, sanguineous (bloody), purulent, multicolored and sticky, or serosanguineous (pink). It may occur spontaneously or only in response to breast manipulation.
What color nipple discharge is bad? ›
Types and symptoms
| Color | Possible cause |
|---|
| white, cloudy, yellow, or filled with pus | an infection of the breast or nipple |
| green | cysts |
| brown or cheese-like | mammary duct ectasia (blocked milk duct) |
| clear | breast cancer, especially if only coming from one breast papilloma |
1 more rowCommon causes of a nipple discharge
A benign tumor in a milk duct (intraductal papilloma) Dilated milk ducts (mammary duct ectasia) Fibrocystic changes, including pain, cysts, and general lumpiness. A breast infection or abscess.
What does infected nipple discharge look like? ›
Thick or sticky discharge that is green, greenish brown or reddish brown may be caused by a non-cancerous condition called mammary duct ectasia. Yellow and foul-smelling pus may be caused by a breast infection. Milky white discharge from both breasts may be caused by some medicines or endocrine gland problems.
