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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
Worried about nipple 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.
Worried about nipple discharge
by gymnut, Mar 26, 2006 12:00AM
Hi,I just started noticing a very small amount of nipple discharge that I first noticed about 4 weeks ago. It only happened once and then yesterday it happened again. A very small amount from the same spot. It is a whitish discharge. I'm 50 and had DCIS about 4 years ago. I don't rememember squeezing my breast or anything. I just noticed it because it was kind of crusty and dry. I'm a little nervous now that it has happened a second time. At first I didn't think too much about it. I've never had this happen to me before. I was wondering if anyone out there has had a similar problem?
Thank you.
Thank you.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-rf, Mar 27, 2006 12:00AM
Dear gymnut: 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. If these symptoms are present a doctor should check you.
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 a doctor should check you.
Member Comments (1)
by jiteneha, Nov 02, 2008 10:02AM
A related discussion, white discharge frm breast b4 sex was started.
by straberry7890, Oct 12, 2009 03:50PM
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