Non-pregnancy causes

If pregnancy has been ruled out, it's likely that your nipple discharge is caused by one of the following conditions:

  • duct papilloma a harmless growth inside your breast duct (the tube that carries milk from the gland to the nipple) that typically causes bloodstained discharge from one breast
  • duct ectasia a harmless, age-related breast change that can result in a cheesy or discoloured discharge from both breasts
  • breast or nipple abscess a painful collection of pus forming in the breast tissue or around the nipple, usually as a result of bacterial infection

These conditions are explained in more detail below, to give you a better ideaof whether you may be affected.However, it's important to see your GP for a proper diagnosis so a more serious cause such as Breast cancer can be ruled out.

Duct papilloma

If the discharge is bloodstained and from a single breast, the cause is likely to be a duct papilloma.

A papilloma is a harmless wart-like growth,usually about 1-2cm in size, found inside one of the breast ducts.The papilloma is usually just behind the nipple and can cause fluid or blood to seep out of the nipple.

You'll usually just have one papilloma, and a simple procedure to remove it will often be recommended.

Although the discharge may be alarming,rest assuredthat papilloma is not cancer and isvery unlikely to turn into cancer.

Duct ectasia

If the discharge is brown, green or cheesy, it's likely you have a harmless condition called duct ectasia.

Duct ectasia tends to affect women approaching the menopause . As the breasts age, the milk ducts behind the nippleget shorter and wider, and may produce adischarge. This is a normal, age-related change and nothing to worry about.

A lump can sometimes be felt behind the nipple,which is just scar tissue or perhaps a dilated duct, and the nipple sometimes becomes inverted.

This condition is harmless and tends to clear upwithout treatment. It doesn't increase your risk of developing breast cancer in the future. However, it's important to go back to your GP if you develop any new symptoms.

Anabscess

If the discharge contains pus, the cause will probably be a breastabscess or abscess around the nipple.The surrounding skin will be red, warm and swollen.

Breast abscesses are often linked to mastitis a condition that causes breast pain and swelling (inflammation) and usually affects women who are breastfeeding.

If you have been to see your GP because ofmastitis, you may already have been given antibiotics . If your breast is still hard, red and painful, your GP should refer you to a specialist to check for a breast abscess.

If the diagnosis is confirmed, a simple procedure to drain the abscess may be recommended. However, discharge from the breast can very occasionally be a symptom of cancer, so it's not something you should ever ignore.

Nipple discharge ismore likely to be a symptom of cancer if:

  • you also have a breast lump or changes to the skin of your breast
  • the discharge isbloodyand only comesfrom one nipple
  • the discharge occurs without any pressure on your breast or nipple
  • you're over 50

See your GP if you're worried you might have breast cancer. While this is unlikely, it's best to be sure by getting a proper diagnosis.

and how breast cancer is diagnosed .

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018