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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
Yellow Sticky 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.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-JS, Aug 06, 2002 12:00AM
Dear Kate1, There could be various causes for discharge, as we mention in other Forum answers on the topic it can be a normal response to squeezing, increased at certain life periods, or increased as a result of some medications. We also state that discharge that is spontaneous, persistent and on one side, clear and sticky, or bloody it should be evaluated.
Some possible causes of nipple discharge are intraductal papilloma (a wartlike growth on the lining of the duct). It can erode and bleed causing a bloody discharge. Intraductal papillomatosis (instead of one wart there are many). Intraductal carcinoma in situ (a precancer that can clog the duct). Cancer is rarely the cause of discharge. Only about 4 percent of all spontaneous unilateral bloody discharges are cancerous.
Now the above examples speak to bloody discharge, and the doctor could do a simple test (hemacult test) to make sure there is no blood present that is not visible to the eye. Other abnormal causes of discharge might be infection, or abscess. If you're still concerned, as suggested you could go for another opinion. Further testing could be done in terms of sending the discharge for analysis, ductal lavage, or ductoscopy.
Some possible causes of nipple discharge are intraductal papilloma (a wartlike growth on the lining of the duct). It can erode and bleed causing a bloody discharge. Intraductal papillomatosis (instead of one wart there are many). Intraductal carcinoma in situ (a precancer that can clog the duct). Cancer is rarely the cause of discharge. Only about 4 percent of all spontaneous unilateral bloody discharges are cancerous.
Now the above examples speak to bloody discharge, and the doctor could do a simple test (hemacult test) to make sure there is no blood present that is not visible to the eye. Other abnormal causes of discharge might be infection, or abscess. If you're still concerned, as suggested you could go for another opinion. Further testing could be done in terms of sending the discharge for analysis, ductal lavage, or ductoscopy.
