This discharge of fluid from a normal breast is referred to as 'physiological discharge'. This discharge is usually yellow, milky, or green in appearance, it does not happen spontaneously, and it can often be seen to be coming from more than one duct. Physiological nipple discharge is no cause for concern.
Nipple discharge refers to any fluid that seeps out of the nipple of the breast. Nipple discharge during pregnancy and breast-feeding is normal. Nipple discharge happens less commonly in women who aren't pregnant or breast-feeding.
Sometimes a woman's breasts make milk even though she is not pregnant or breastfeeding. This condition is called galactorrhea (say: guh-lack-tuh-ree-ah). The milk may come from one or both breasts. It may leak on its own or only when the breasts are touched.
Hormones, lactation or sexual arousal can be normal causes for nipple discharge. Abnormal causes could be from tumors, infection or rarely, breast cancer.
Discharges that are clear, bloody or contain pus are possible early warning signs for certain types of cancer, especially if they occur in only one breast and are spontaneous and persistent, and a lump is also present.
Nipple discharge (ND) can be the earliest presenting symptom of breast cancer. ND is usually greenish, yellow, or milky, but when it comes to breast cancer, ND is whitish. Nipple discharge typically occurs at a rate of one in five women and may present in one or both nipples of the breast.
Breast infections are usually caused by common bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) found on normal skin. The bacteria enter through a break or crack in the skin, usually on the nipple. The infection takes place in the fatty tissue of the breast and causes swelling. This swelling pushes on the milk ducts.
Myth 5: Nipple discharge is usually a sign of cancer.
“What's more concerning is bloody or clear discharge that leaks out when you're not squeezing,” she says. “This type of discharge can be a sign of breast cancer about 10% of the time.
Some causes of normal nipple discharge include: Pregnancy. In the early stages of pregnancy, some women notice clear breast discharge coming from their nipples. In the later stages of pregnancy, this discharge may take on a watery, milky appearance.
In pregnancy, the breasts may start to produce milk weeks or months before you are due to have your baby. If your nipples are leaking, the substance is usually colostrum, which is the first milk your breasts make in preparation for feeding your baby. Leaking is normal and nothing to worry about.
Avoid touching your nipples or breast. This may stop or decrease discharge from your nipples. Wear a tight fitting bra during exercise to decrease rubbing on your nipples.
PHYSIOLOGIC CONDITIONS. Galactorrhea may be considered physiologic. Pregnant women may lactate as early as the second trimester and may continue to produce milk for up to two years after cessation of breast-feeding.
Montgomery tubercles, also known as Montgomery glands, are raised white bumps that look similar to goosebumps on the nipple and surrounding areola. They are named after William Fetherstone Montgomery, an Irish physician and obstetrician who first described them in 1837.
FNA can be uncomfortable but usually is not painful. Women who have experienced some pain say that it passes quickly. The fluid in a cyst might be clear or coloured (for example yellow, green, orange or black). This fluid is normal and it is not necessary to send it for testing.
Signs and symptoms of a breast cyst include: A smooth, easily movable round or oval lump that may have smooth edges — which typically, though not always, indicates it's benign. Nipple discharge that may be clear, yellow, straw colored or dark brown.
Swelling, tenderness, and warmth in breast tissue. Skin redness, most often in wedge shape. Tender or enlarged lymph nodes in armpit on the same side.
Fluid can build up when: cancer cells irritate the lining of the abdomen and make it produce too much fluid. lymph glands in the abdomen get blocked and can't drain fluid properly. cancer has spread to the liver and raises the pressure in nearby blood vessels, which forces fluid out.
Advanced cancer can sometimes cause fluid to build up in the tummy (abdomen). The medical name for this is ascites. Treatments to remove the fluid or prevent it from building up include having a tube inserted, water tablets or having chemotherapy.
Cancer can also make fluid build up in the tummy area (abdomen). This fluid is called ascites. Cancer cells may attach themselves to the lining of the abdomen and irritate it. This makes the abdominal lining make fluid, which collects in the abdomen.
Stage 1 breast cancer means that the cancer is small and only in the breast tissue or it might be found in lymph nodes close to the breast. It is an early stage breast cancer. The stage of a cancer tells you how big it is and how far it has spread. It helps your doctor decide the best treatment for you.
Breast cancer symptoms at stage 1 may include: Nipple discharge. Dimpling of the skin. Swelling or redness of the breast.
It's not related to milk production in breastfeeding (chestfeeding) or pregnancy. Galactorrhea sometimes indicates an underlying health condition, but is most often caused by too much prolactin. Prolactin is a hormone that triggers milk production. It's made by your pituitary gland, a gland at the base of your brain.