Nipple discharge - abnormal

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Abnormal discharge from the nipple

Female breast

This symptom involves abnormal discharge from the nipple(s)

Discharge from breasts; Milk secretions; Lactation - abnormal; Witches milk; Galactorrhea

The likelihood of nipple discharge increases with age and number of pregnancies.

While a milky nipple discharge is rare in men and in women who have never been pregnant, it does occur. When it does, it is likely to be caused by some underlying disease, particularly when accompanied by other changes in the breast(s).

It is relatively common in women who have had at least one pregnancy. A thin yellowish or milky discharge (colostrum) is normal in the final weeks of pregnancy.

The nature of the discharge can range in color, consistency, composition, and may occur on one side or both sides.

"Witch's milk" is a term used to describe nipple discharge in a newborn. The discharge is a temporary response to the increased levels of maternal hormones. Witch's milk should disappear within 2 weeks as hormone levels dissipate in the newborn.

Other nipple discharges can be bloody or purulent (containing pus), depending on the cause.

• breast abscess (most common in lactating women)
• trauma can cause discharge from both breasts
• drugs such as cimetidine, methyldopa, metoclopramide, oral contraceptives, phenothiazines, reserpine, tricyclic antidepressants, or verapamil
• prolactinoma (prolactin-secreting tumor in the brain)
• intraductal papilloma (a small noncancerous growth in the duct of the breast)
• ductal ectasia (a widening of the milk ducts)

Review Date: 05/23/2006
Reviewed By: Audra Robertson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network