Breast Density, Fibrocystic Breasts, Breast Pain, One Time Discharge

[Manlyn]

Last week, got an abnormal reading on a screening mammogram indicating increased breast density in the right breast. I realize that this could be due to a fold during the original picture. Had a physician conducted breast exam approximately three weeks ago which was normal.  I am 45 and have 2 kids.  During my first pregnancy, had a nodule on my left breast, that was biopsied and benign.  At that time I was diagnosed with fibrocystic breasts.  There is no hx of breast cancer in my family, although my mother had fibrocystic breasts and, I believe, a number of abnormal mammograms.

Since this discovery on Friday, I have naturally been quite anxious and realized some additional symptoms, which I neglected to tell my physician about during my physical.  One-two months ago I had a clear spontaneous discharge from my right breast (and perhaps my left...I can't remember).  It was watery, but a small amount.  Both breasts were sort of chapped.  Neither symptom has returned.

Also periodically I am having breast pain....in my right breast, but also in my left.  I was attributing this to my fibrocystic breasts and aging.  I also think I may be entering menopause.  How alarming are my symptoms?  Have already scheduled a follow-up.

[ERNFERN]

A related discussion, breast discharge was started.

[ronda993]

A related discussion, Breast density was started.

[Manlyn]

Thank you for your quick response.  I actually knew about the discharges.  Am wondering if there is a conenction between fibrocystic breasts and breast density?

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear Manlyn:  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 are 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, is only on one side, and/or if it is clear and sticky, like an egg white, or bloody. If these symptoms are present, you should be seen by a doctor.

If there is a density on the mammogram, we presume that a second mammogram with magnification will be done.  This will hopefully provide more information.  You might let your doctor know about these additional symptoms as well.  Just so that he/she has all the information.