greenish nipple discharge

[sm2]

There is a dark green sticky discharge from one of my nipples
when it is squeezed ( the way you would express milk). It has
probably done that for a few years and I have never had
it checked at the doctor. Is this anything to be concerned about?

It has no odor and is very sticky and you have to squeeze quite
a lot for it to come out.

[oceans3]

have you ever been pregnant and or nursing?
do you see a gynocologist regularly where he/she would do a breast exam? if yes, why would you not mention it to the dr.?
i have never heard of green discharge coming from a nipple. personally speaking, i would be concerned over that.

[blondie72]

I did a google search with - Green discharge from nipples and this is what I could find.  You may want to do your own google search.

Dark green nipple discharge - mammary duct ectasia

I am 28 with fibrocystic breasts. For the past week my left breast has oozed dark green fluid but I do not have the usual swelling or pain. Could this be cancer? My doctor has ordered a mammogram.
The discharge may be due to the fibrocystic disease. However, such greenish discharge is also characteristic for an inflammation of the breast ducts called mammary duct ectasia which is not usually related to an underlying cancer nor does it put you at greater risk than the normal for breast cancer. Ectasia is an inflammation of the breast ducts that is not caused by bacteria. While it is usually a benign process, it can sometimes look like a cancer on a mammogram and thus will most likely require a biopsy. Also, surgery may be indicated if there is a very persistent, copious discharge, breast pain, nipple retraction or an underlying mass thought to be an abscess or inflammatory mastitis. It is difficult to treat and excision of the inflamed ducts is only about 85% successful. Whether the mammogram is benign or not, you should see a surgeon experienced in breast disease for further management.

[sm2]

Yes I was pregnant and nursed for a year, but that was 8 years
ago.

I noticed the green stuff, because one day i tried squeezing
out of curiosity to see if anything was left, even though it
was years ago.

It doesn't come out by itself and i never have any pain in
my breast.

But i think I will get it checked out next time i'm at the doctor.

I feel embarrassed bringing it up though, won't he wonder
how I noticed this?

[mdpmommy]

i am 28 and have white milky discharge and greenish discharge that is sticky im on the Deop and my son is gonig to be 6 i think its normal cause when i asked my dr she wasnt to concerned and most of my google searches i came up with nothing more then a possibility of a cyst underneth the nipple spontaniously draining...

[IWantToBeAMom]

Your doctor won't care how you noticed it.  They see some pretty crazy things on a regular basis.

Just be glad that you did notice it because green discharge from your nipple is not normal.  Call you doc for an appt!

[bonnie oliver]

im having the same problem,i had a mammogram and they said it was normal

[Sk1lZzL0rd]

Normal functioning (physiological discharge)
Physiological nipple discharge usually occurs in both breasts and happens only when the breast tissue is manipulated in some way, such as by squeezing the nipple to check for discharge.
The discharge may be clear, yellow, white or dark green.
Stimulation of the nipple actually increases the likelihood of discharge, so it's best to leave your nipples alone and avoid checking them. This type of discharge often resolves on its own.

An inflamed duct (mammary duct ectasia)
Mammary duct ectasia is one of the most common conditions related to abnormal nipple discharge.
It causes one or more of the ducts beneath your nipple to become inflamed and clogged with a thick, sticky substance that's green or black. Most often, it affects women in their 40s and 50s.
You can relieve some of your symptoms by applying warm compresses to your breast.
Taking aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, may help relieve some symptoms. Also, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to clear up any infection.
In some cases, surgery might be necessary to remove the affected duct.

[mayalayne]

I have noticed my bra having two spots where my nipples are. I figured I am running around all day and maybe I have some discharge coming out since I finished breast feeding a two years ago. I finally asked my doctor about it (I'm not sure how long this has been going on) and he said most likely it's nothing, but he sent in a sample to test. It is coming out of both nipples equally and is a green color,

Any thoughts.

[Aniadec]

My sister is having these simptoms and is very scared she has a dr appointment next week.  I hope you can giver her some words of encouragment since you have had this experience and have advised that your mammogram came back normal.  Thank you for sharing.

[poodlemom]

I have had some dark green discharge coming from my left breast for about 3wks now.  (only when I squeeze it)  I have a dr. app. next week and I'm thankful to hear that it might not be really bad. I'll let you know what happens thanks

[KatieLL]

I just came across this blog. I am 28 years old use the mirena IUD and have never had children.  Two years ago I began having a dark green and sticky discharge out of my right nipple.  I went to the breast care center after a referral from my doctor.  They performed an ultrasound as they felt I was too young for a mammogram. Nothing was seen and they sent me on my way and said they would do a mammogram at 30.  Lately my nipple has also become much darker than the other one. I thought I was crazy but my husband confirmed it.  I am not in pain but it doesn't seem like it is a normal thing.  I get my IUD out in a month so that I can get pregnant.  I am interested to see if that stops the issue.  Does anyone else have an IUD?

[KatieLL]

I just came across this blog. I am 28 years old use the mirena IUD and have never had children.  Two years ago I began having a dark green and sticky discharge out of my right nipple.  I went to the breast care center after a referral from my doctor.  They performed an ultrasound as they felt I was too young for a mammogram. Nothing was seen and they sent me on my way and said they would do a mammogram at 30.  Lately my nipple has also become much darker than the other one. I thought I was crazy but my husband confirmed it.  I am not in pain but it doesn't seem like it is a normal thing.  I get my IUD out in a month so that I can get pregnant.  I am interested to see if that stops the issue.  Does anyone else have an IUD?

[juanitagale]

I am 59 and have had dark green discharge from nipples since I was 16 years old. Nothing to worry about. However i notice that caffine will make it worse , rather the discharge is more.in quanity.

[PT50]

I have  had a greenish discharge from my right breast ever since I had my first child.  Ihave had several mamograms done and the doctor(s) have told me that it is not anything to worry about.  but if you ant more information on the possible causes  go to:

www.mayoclinic.com/health/nipple-discharge/WO00093

that is WO (3 zero's) 93

[anizy]

..I  just turned 40 .........when I had my first child 22 years ago they gave me a shot to stop producing milk...and  had no discharge for 4 years ...then had last child  who is now 18 ....they no longer  gave shots to dry up the milk..so I have  always had a milky clear discharge on both of my nipples since he was born.. (NEVER BREAST FED) a couple of days ago I had noticed a greenish stinky discharge coming out of only my left nipple only when squeezed...I made a doctor appointment cuz I am freaked out. I go Tuesday....I have been on many wed sites trying to get answers..and this wed site has helped me the most..I am still scared..the word cancer freaks me out  and all I kept thinking was cancer cancer cancer...but reading your comment  and knowing that there are other wemoen out there with the same problem  and things are ok...has put my mind on ease...THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR COMMENTS

[PamelaNicole]

Learn how to spell.

[Tilly101]

I have had a watery like green discharge comming out of my right breast for about a year. I went in for a mammogram this morning ( I also have lumps in both breasts) from everything that I have read online about discharge it doesn't sound like it's linked to breast cancer. It's more common than we think. I'm going to see my Dr on friday will let you know what he has to say about it.

[Tilly101]

is anybody else taking estrogen and notice that they are having discharge? I had a hysterectomy 2 yrs ago today and wonder if taking the hormones has any possible link to the discharge?

[bodyissues]

I have had breast discharge ever since college and I am 39 years old...for years I thought the doctors were missing something as I also have very lumpy breasts (some women just do)...I finally received some piece of mind when I both read in a womens health book and was told by a specialist that breast discharge can be ANY color of the rainbow, the time for concern is when it is red/bloody.  Have it checked out but then relax as it can be perfectly normal...i believe its called galactoria (sp?)  ...however the mainsteam health industry doesnt know much about this, clearly and my insurance carrier (american family) declined coverage on ANY breast issues due to this "condition" that is not an illness, but simply is.

[bodyissues]

PS, I have GREEN colored discharge along with clear discharge that comes out different spots of the nipples, of BOTH breasts when ever squeezed...and on rare occasions by themselves... and have for YEARS...so dont be scared...but see the doctor to be sure.  
signed, bodyissues

[trac777]

I have a blackish clear fluid that comes out of my of my nipples whenever I squeeze it. . When it's spred out it looks more blue than black. Clear, to a thick yellowish white substance comes out of the other one. I had it checked out and the doctor told me the same thing, that it can be any color of the rainbow. As long as it's not redish or dark brown.  I think mine may be this color from smoking? .I'm not sure, but I wonder if the color has to do with what you are putting in your body.  I imagine it's like beast feeding, the things you put in your body end up in your breasts. I've seriously got to quit smoking, I'm going to try that new prescription medication, I heard it is helping a lot of people to quit. Anyways, I wonder if whatt we put in our body may be a contributing factor of us getting breast cancer. I also wonder if we should be squeezing this stuff out of out breasts or not. I think it's good if we do it, just to see what color it is, but I also wonder if squeezing them can help to keep bad stuff from building up in them. Or if the irration being caused by squeezing them is not a good thing to do on a regular basis. This has become a habit for me, but I'm not sure if it's a good habit or not. I am also always checking for lumps, I know that is a good thing to do. I just am a little paranoid about breast cancer. My aunt got it in her thirties. I also knew a couple other people who died from it. They were all young people.

[ces78]

i came along this forum when i was trying to search about greenish nipple discharge. actually i am very worried about it but when i came along this forum my fear had somewhat been minimized. i am just worried a little since i feel a little pain in the breast but not actually persistent. I am not also sure whether i had one instance wherein i found a bloody discharge in one of my breast but that's only once. Had anyone encountered such instances? Should i be alarmed about that?

[emilysmom739]

I wouldn't worry at all about this. I have very large cysts in my breasts. Last year I went to a surgeon and he aspirated two of them.  They were both filled with greenish black liquid which he said is quite harmless and NOT a sign of cancer. He only did this on one breast and it is now noticeably smaller than the other one. I still have a greenish black discharge from both breasts but now I'm not worried at all. I just wish I could have all my cysts aspirated. It didn't hurt at all, but having the cysts sure do! I hope this helps someone.

[SON6]

It's really good to be able to discuss these issues with women with similar experiences. Having finished breastfeeding my daughter two years ago, I regularly squeeze my nipples to see if there is anything left in them. Usually some yellowish fluid comes out, much like colustrum. But last night some greenish blue fluid came out of one duct and IT FREAKED ME OUT!

I went to the docs today and he said there is only the remotest chance of it being the C word, but is more likely a cyst or something. So he's sending me to a breast clinic.

I just want to say thanks to all of you who offer the time to share experiences as it's really reassuring.

Will let you know the verdict. xxx

[9mthsalong]

I have had the green,sticky discharge for about 2 years, however about 1 year ago I also had some sores under my left breast.  I went to my primary Dr. and he told me it was shingles, I am only 27 so shingles is not common for my age.  I did not think to mention the discharge to the Dr.  I am now 9 mths pregnant and told some of the nurses at work, they told me to tell my OB Dr. So we will see what happens.  I wonder too if I can still breast feed??

[vangogh09]

I have had greenish discharge since I was 19ish and I am now 38. Doctors have evaluated this on many different occasions with mammograms, ultrasounds and hormone blood work along with thyroid workups. I was on birth control when it began, but I haven't been on any for 15 years, and it's the same with or without. All tests were always normal. I have very very fibrocystic breasts; they are usually very tender, ache and are hard to examine on routine mammograms. I am now having digital mammography which helps.

I haven't had caffeine in 10 years and that did stop some tenderness but not the discharge.

Discharge should be checked out to rule out anything un-normal, but you shouldn't get too worried about it either as it is normal for many woman including me. Hope this helps!!!