breat biopsy results

[reddgirl]

I have sticky nipple discharge (from green to clear) predominately out of one nipple.  Sometimes the discharge is spontaneous.  My doctor took a slide of the discharge and she said that the results showed very few cells, none of which were malignant, but that the discharge contained "debris".  What does that mean?  What could be the source of this discharge?  How can I get the discharge to go away?  My prolactin levels are normal, my thyroid is normal, no lumps were found during my self breast exam.  I am 27 years old.  She has referred me to a breat center but they havent called me yet.

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear reddgirl:  Debris is fragments of dead cells and other bodily materials that are not needed.  To give you an example, the skin that peels off of your body (like flakes of dry skin) is debris, also.  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.

Since this happens spontaneously sometimes, it is reasonable to go to a breast center. If there is concern, they may recommend a ductoscopy, through which doctors can look at the ducts.