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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
New lump and discharge
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
New lump and discharge
by JCgal, Oct 12, 2006 12:00AM
I am 21 years old with family history of fibroids and cancer. I found a marble sized rubbery non-painful lump directly under my areola. I also have clear, watery, sticky discharge when manipulated. I am going to see a specialist next week. Does this sound more like cancer of fibroadenoma? The discharge doesn't go with fibroadenomas.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-JS, Oct 12, 2006 12:00AM
Dear JCgal, 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,is only on one side, and/or if it is clear and sticky, like an egg white, or bloody.
You are doing the right thing by having this lump checked, they will be able to better advise you based on exam.
You are doing the right thing by having this lump checked, they will be able to better advise you based on exam.
Member Comments (2)
by Diane929, Oct 13, 2006 12:00AM
I dont mean to piggyback on your comment but I have a concern about bloody discharge from the nipple as well. (I couldnt post my own comment because it was full.) About a month ago I noticed little spots of blood in my bra on the left side. I immediately went to the Dr who then sent me to get a mammogram (everything came back fine)...then I was sent to a specialist who scheduled me for a biopsy coming up on the 20th. There are no lumps and has been no pain and no other changes on or around the breast...and the discharge is not happening on a regular basis. In fact, I thought it had gone away until the specialist squeezed my breast (hard) and the bloody discharge came out. None of my friends have ever heard of such a thing but everyone seems 'concerned', which quite frankly scares me more than just a little bit. I am not sure what the Doctor will be looking for when he does the biopsy. I am 43, non smoker, non drinker, have 4 children and not on any medication except a mild drug for high blood pressure. If anyone out there has gone through something similar, could you please let me know what your outcome was? Thank you so much...
