NIPPLE DISCHARGE
Nipple discharge is release of fluid from breast nipple.It can be with or without squeezing of the breast. The nipple discharge may look milky,green,brown,bloody or clear depending on the underlying pathology causing the discharge. The consistency may be thick, sticky, thin or watery.
Questions that arise in our minds when nipple discharge happens-
1)is it normal to have nipple discharge?
2)is it good to squeeze out the fluid?
3)How do I stop the nipple discharge?
4)What is the cause of the nipple discharge?
5)Is it a sign of breast cancer?
6)when to see a doctor?
So let’s do an overview of NORMAL NIPPLE DISCHARGE
Nipple discharge is physiologically and completely normal.It is normal to have clear,milky,or even discharge during the reproductive period of a woman’s life span.But there are times when nipple discharge can be a sign of breast cancer or any abnormality.Signs of nipple discharge which indicate visit to the breast surgeon are:
Spontaneous nipple discharge regularly without squeezing it.
Producing large volumes of discharge fluid.
Colour of discharge is red/brown/black.
Usually coming out from single duct or from one breast only.
Causes of abnormal nipple discharge
1)hormonal changes during menstruation.
2)dilated ducts leading to duct ectasia.usually seen in premenopausal or after menopause.
3)during pregnancy.Colostrum is the first milk produced during pregnancy.
4)nipple discharge can also happen due to non cancerous breast lumps called Pappillomas.
5)due to infection of ducts called MASTITIS.
6) can be a sign of Early breast cancer. DCIS. when nipple discharge is associated with underlying lump or with indrawing of nipple.These situations show possibility of malignancies behind the discharge lesions.
How to reach relief /cure from nipple discharge.?
The treatment of nipple discharge depends on the cause behind the discharge.
Most of the non cancerous cases don’t need treatment as they usually subside on their own.
If milky discharge called galactorrhoea, then there is specific treatment line.
If there is greenish discharge with fever, then antibiotics, anti inflammatory medications are prescribed. And if an abcess develops, then surgery will be required.
If breast cancer is is associated with the discharge,then treatment given according to the staging of the disease.
STEPS TO BE TAKEN TOWARDS RELIEF
Do a self breast exam.
If discharge,then note the colour.
See if associated fever. Note for any pain and raised local temperature.
If seen, then immediately see the breast surgeon.
Post checkup with the clinician,depending on the cause, the treatment goes as:
1)ASSURANCE AND EXPLANATION OF THE NIPPLE DISCHARGE
2)GAMMA LINOLEIC ACID MASSAGES TO RELIEVE SYMPTOMS
3)ANTIBIOTICS IF REQUIRED,ANTI INFLAMMATORY MEDICATION IF REQUIRED, DRAINAGE OF ABCESS IF FORMED.
4)CYTOLOGY STUDIES OF THE DISCHARGE SHOULD BE DONE TO RULE OUT MALIGNANCY.
5)BLOOD TESTS LIKE COMPLETE BLOOD COUNTS,HORMONAL TESTS,SR PROLACTIN LEVELS SHOULD BE CHECKED.
6)IF ANY PATHOLOGY DETECTED, THEN TREATMENT STARTED ACCORDING TO THE SPECIFIC CAUSE DETECTED.
7)RADIOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS LIKE UTRASOUND OF BREASTS,GALACTOGRAPHY, DUCTOSCOPY,MRI, MAMMOGRAM.
8)IF CANCER DETECTED THEN TREATMENT ON LINES OF STAGE OF DISEASE.
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