BREAST LEAKAGE

[31 AND WORRIED]

I'M A 31 FEMALE WITH TWO CHILDREN, I'VE BREAST LEAKAGE FOR SEVREL YEARS NOW, USUALLY WHEN I DO BREAST EXAM, ITS USUALLY CLEAR, BUTLATELY IT BEEN DISCOLORED. ITS DARK BROWN OR GRAY. I AM GOING TO MAKE ME AN APPOINTMENT, BUT ITS IN A FEW WEEKS. SHOULD I GET IT MOVED UP? WHY WOULD THE DISCHARGE TURN FROM CLEAR TO DARK?   THANK YOU

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear 31 and worried: Many women have some type of nipple discharge or fluid when their breasts are squeezed, and its normal. Squeezing the nipple sends message to the brain and the pituitary gland responds by increasing prolactin levels, which in turn produces discharge from the nipple. The discharge can come in a variety of colors – gray, green and brown as well as white. Some women are more prone to more discharge including women on; birth control pills, certain blood pressure medications or on major tranquilizers. These medications increase prolactin levels in the body. There is also certain life periods when a person is more likely to get discharge than others: there may be more discharge at puberty and at menopause than the years in-between.

The time to worry about nipple discharge is when it’s spontaneous (comes out by itself without squeezing), keeps on happening, and is only on one side. If it is clear and sticky, like an egg white, or bloody. If these symptoms are present a doctor should check you.

[dian]

Dear 31 as I write to you Iam recovering from a total ductectomy. I too had a bloody (dark) dischaarge from 2 of the ducts from my right breast. I had a mammogram done then an ultrasound then a ductogram and no surgery. I should heal fine and some tissue was sent to the lab. Aside fro bieng uncomfortable It is really not that painful. I was however under general anesthesia for about an hour. I am 40 and because of my age this choice was the best for me.  dian

[scared123]

I am having some leakage from my breast too.  it's not coming from the nipple but slightly below it.  I don't know what it is.  I'm only in my teens and have had surgery about a month ago near the left (or oposite) breast.  Does any one know what it could be?

[tybalt]

I have had leakage from both nipples for several years.  It is sticky and yellowish, very much like colostrum.  My doctor at the time did not even seem interested about my concern. I had nursed each of my 3 kids for over a year but still had this discharge 10 and 20 years later.
I am on HRT now for about a year.  I am 49.  There is a family history of breast cancer.  About 6 weeks ago my breasts became very sore, swollen and tender, almost like being pregnant. I went off my HRT for 2 weeks and the doctor put me on vitamin E.  Most of the pain went away.  I am back on the HRT now and have blood coming from my right nipple.  I squeezed it because it felt sore and sometimes getting that "colostrum" out helps.  Now I'm worried.  Any other causes for this than cancer?  And should I just stop the HRT altogether because of thios and the family history?