Nipple discharge
Nipple discharge refers to any fluid that flows out of the nipple of the breast. It is a common symptom and can occur in both men and women. Nipple discharge can be of different colors and consistencies, and it can occur either spontaneously or when the nipple is squeezed.
Causes[edit | edit source]
Nipple discharge can be caused by a variety of conditions, some of which are normal and others that may require medical attention. These include:
- Pregnancy: During the later stages of pregnancy, the breasts may start to produce milk, which can lead to nipple discharge.
- Breast infection: An infection in the breast can cause pus or other fluids to be discharged from the nipple.
- Breast cancer: In some cases, nipple discharge can be a sign of breast cancer, especially if it is bloody or occurs in only one breast.
- Hormonal imbalance: Changes in hormone levels can cause nipple discharge, especially in women who are going through menopause.
- Intraductal papilloma: This is a non-cancerous growth in the milk ducts of the breast that can cause nipple discharge.
- Galactorrhea: This is a condition where the breasts produce milk even though a woman is not pregnant or breastfeeding. It can be caused by certain medications, hormonal imbalances, or problems with the pituitary gland.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
The diagnosis of nipple discharge involves a physical examination and a detailed medical history. The doctor may also order certain tests, such as a mammogram or ultrasound, to look for any abnormalities in the breast. In some cases, a biopsy may be needed to rule out breast cancer.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
The treatment for nipple discharge depends on the underlying cause. If the discharge is due to an infection, antibiotics may be prescribed. If it is due to a hormonal imbalance, hormone therapy may be recommended. In cases where the discharge is caused by a growth or cancer, surgery may be necessary.
See also[edit | edit source]
| Nipple discharge Resources | |
|---|---|
|
 |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
