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Nipple problems - Overview

Definition of Nipple problems:

Nipple problems can include tenderness or discharge from the nipple portion of the breast.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Nipple tenderness may be caused by dry skin in the areolar region (the darker area surrounding the nipple) of the breast. Women who are breastfeeding can have irritated nipples from too much moisture or if the baby doesn't latch on properly while nursing. Injury to or friction over the nipple area can cause tenderness, as can other skin problems such as bacterial or fungal infections.

A milky-appearing nipple discharge can be normal during pregnancy, shortly after delivery, or when breastfeeding. Birth control pills and chlorpromazine-type drugs can also cause a nipple discharge.

Abnormal nipple discharge can be caused by hormone imbalances, growths in the breast tissue that are not cancer, or, rarely, by breast cancer. Milky discharge can occasionally be caused by pituitary tumors, severe hypothyroidism, or recent severe injury to the chest wall.

Female Breast

Intraductal papilloma

Mammary gland

Abnormal discharge from the nipple

Normal female breast anatomy

Reviewed last on: 5/12/2008
Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; 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, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Valea FA, Katz VL. Breast Diseases: Diagnosis and Treatment of Benign and Malignant Disease. In: Katz VL, Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Mosby Elsevier; 2007: chap 15.

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