women s health issues
Nipple Discharge
Causes of Nipple Discharge
Several disorders can cause an abnormal discharge. A discharge from one milk duct or from one breast is likely to be caused by a problem with that breast, such as a noncancerous (benign) tumor or, less commonly, a Breast Cancer . A discharge from both breasts or from several milk ducts in one breast is more likely to be caused by a problem outside the breast, such as a hormonal disorder or use of certain drugs. Usually, the cause is a benign disorder of the milk ducts, such as the following: A benign tumor in a milk duct (intraductal papilloma) Dilated milk ducts (mammary duct ectasia) Fibrocystic Changes of the Breast , including pain, cysts, and general lumpiness A Breast Infection and Breast Abscess None Intraductal papilloma is the most common cause. It is also the most common cause of a bloody nipple discharge when there is no lump in the breast. Certain disorders stimulate the production of breast milk in women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding (see table Some Causes and Features of Nipple Discharge ). In most of these disorders, the level of prolactin (a hormone that stimulates production of breast milk) is elevated. Taking certain drugs can have the same effect. Cancer causes fewer than 10% of cases. 