The breast is a gland. Therefore, discharge from the breast may occur from time to time. Although this is usually insignificant, it can sometimes be a symptom of breast cancer. Therefore, it is beneficial to see a doctor just in case.
If a woman experiences fluid discharge from her nipple outside of breastfeeding, it is considered breast discharge. There are approximately 10 openings in the nipple where milk ducts open. The discharge may come from a single opening or from several. The fluid may sometimes discharge spontaneously. It can occur in both breasts or only one.
Breast discharge may increase with age. It is more common in women who have given birth.
Color of Breast Discharge
The fluid from the nipple can be yellow, green, dark green, dark brown, blood-colored, watery, or milky. Its consistency can be runny or slightly thick. Yellow, green, and brown discharges are usually insignificant. However, if the discharge is red or clear like water, it could be a sign of breast cancer. This possibility is not high, but it is necessary to consult a doctor just in case.
What Symptoms to Watch Out For When Fluid Comes Out of the Breast
- It is important whether the discharge comes from one breast or both breasts. If it comes from one breast, it is likely a breast-related problem; if it comes from both breasts, it is likely a general problem in the body.
- If the discharge comes from one breast, it should be determined how many milk duct openings it comes from. If it comes from more than one opening, it may be a systemic problem.
- If the discharge is red or clear like water, the possibility of breast cancer should be investigated.
- Many women may experience discharge when their breasts are squeezed.
However, it is more important if it occurs spontaneously.
Causes of Nipple Discharge
- Dilatation of the milk ducts is the most common cause of nipple discharge.
- Any blow to the breast area can cause discharge. It usually resolves spontaneously within a few weeks, depending on the effect of the trauma.
- Increased prolactin hormone can cause milk to come from the breast. Prolactin hormone is a necessary hormone for milk production after childbirth and is secreted by the pituitary gland in the brain. Benign masses in the pituitary gland can cause it to overwork.
- Inflammatory discharge from the nipple may occur as a result of an abscess in the breast. The abscess should be removed with antibiotics or surgically.
- Some medications can cause discharge.
- Benign tumors in the duct are among the most common causes of watery and blood-colored discharge.
- Breast cancer is also one of the causes of discharge. Even if not every bloody discharge is a sign of breast cancer, it should definitely be investigated.
Treatment of Nipple Discharge
Most breast discharge does not require treatment. It should be investigated whether there is cancer or a structural abnormality underlying the discharge, and a treatment plan should be developed accordingly. For example, if the cause of the discharge is high prolactin levels, hormonal disorders, or medications used, treatment is given for these. If there is a mass in the duct, it is surgically removed. If the cause of the discharge is breast cancer, treatment is applied accordingly.
