Treatment:

Treatment of nipple discharge caused by conditions outside of the breast include:

• Treatment for breast infections, hypothyroidism, and pituitary tumors
• Changing any medications that caused the discharge

Abnormal findings on a mammogram or breast ultrasound will be biopsied and often removed.

Most women with breast discharge who have a normal mammogram, breast ultrasound, and physical exam can be followed safely over 1 - 2 years with a mammogram and physical exam repeated during that time.

Removing all or some of the breast ducts (called subareolar duct excision) may be done right away, or after a period of observation. Often a ductogram is done before surgery.

Steroid creams, antifungal creams, and antibiotic creams may be used to treat skin changes around the nipple.

For information on breast and nipple care while breastfeeding, see:

• Overcoming breastfeeding problems
• Breastfeeding tips
• Breastfeeding mothers - self-care

Expectations (prognosis):

Most women with inverted nipples who give birth are able to breastfeed without complications.

In most cases nipple problems do not involve breast cancer. These problems will either go away with the right treatment, or they can be watched closely over time.

Complications:

Nipple discharge may be a symptom of breast cancer or a pituitary tumor.

Skin changes around the nipple may be caused by Paget's disease.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:

• Your nipple becomes retracted or pulled in when it was not that way before
• Your nipple has changed in shape
• Your nipple becomes tender and it is not related to your menstrual cycle
• Your nipple has skin changes
• You have new nipple discharge