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Nipple problems - Symptom

Symptoms:

Breast tenderness
Clear, milky, bloody, or discolored (green or brown) discharge
Increased surface temperature of portion of the breast
Nipple discharge
Pain occurs with or without pressure on the breast
Redness, tenderness and/or cracking of the skin surface of the nipple
Swelling of some portion of the breast (breast lump)

Signs and tests:

The health care provider will take your medical history and perform a physical examination.

Blood tests for prolactin level and thyroid function may be performed.
Breast biopsy is performed if a mass or lump is found, or if the discharge is occurring on its own, without any pressure on the breast.
Cytological evaluation (cell studies) of nipple discharge may be done in some cases.
Mammography is usually performed if the cause is not obvious.

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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