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Nipple discharge - abnormal

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Female Breast
Female Breast
Abnormal discharge from the nipple
Abnormal discharge from the nipple

Alternative Names    Return to top

Discharge from breasts; Milk secretions; Lactation - abnormal; Witches milk; Galactorrhea

Definition    Return to top

Abnormal nipple discharge is abnormal fluid leakage from one or both nipples of the breast.

Considerations    Return to top

The likelihood of nipple discharge increases with age and number of pregnancies.

While a milky nipple discharge is rare in men and in women who have never been pregnant, it does occur. When it does, it is likely to be caused by some underlying disease, particularly when accompanied by other changes in the breast(s).

It is relatively common in women who have had at least one pregnancy. A thin yellowish or milky discharge (colostrum) is normal in the final weeks of pregnancy.

The nature of the discharge can range in color, consistency, composition, and may occur on one side or both sides.

"Witch's milk" is a term used to describe nipple discharge in a newborn. The discharge is a temporary response to the increased levels of maternal hormones. Witch's milk should disappear within 2 weeks as hormone levels dissipate in the newborn.

Other nipple discharges can be bloody or purulent (containing pus), depending on the cause.

Causes    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if you have any abnormal nipple discharge.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit    Return to top

The doctor will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your medical history and symptoms, including:

Laboratory tests may be done to check prolactin and thyroid levels and to study the cells in the nipple discharge. Other tests that may be done include:

References    Return to top

Galactorrhea. In: Ferri FF. Ferriā€™s Clinical Advisor 2008: Instant Diagnosis and Treatment. 1st ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2008.

Update Date: 5/26/2008

Updated by: Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine; Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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