lymphnodes in the breast

[samantha]

My sister has lumps (lymphnodes?) that travel through her arms and into her breast.  When this happens it is very painful.  Then they burst in her breast and discharge through the nipples in a liquid form in a yellow-greenish and sometimes blue color.  Is this some type of cancer or is there a name for this disease.  The MD's that she has seen have not been able to put a name on this yet.  Perhaps you can help?   Thank You.

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear Samantha, When thinking about the actual anatomy of the breast it is difficult to say that the process you describe is actually what is occurring.  The lymphnodes and the ducts that lead to the nipples are not directly connected.  So the lumps/lymphnode situation and nipple discharge are probably two separate processes.  

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

[samantha]

Thank you for the reply.  Is there such a thing as cysts or fibroid tumors that can travel through the breast and then explode once they reach the nipple area.  This is what is happening, and we are hoping to get an explanation as to what may be going on.