Nipple Problems and Discharge
Key points
- Nipple conditions are a common benign breast condition affecting many women.
- Treatment for ectasia generally involves treating the symptoms.
- An intraductal papilloma is a small, wart-like growth that projects into the breast ducts near the nipple.
- While nipple discharge can be alarming to many women, discharge that appears only when the nipple and breast are squeezed may not be a cause for concern.
What are some common nipple problems?
Nipple conditions are a common benign breast condition affecting many women. Some problems are related to lactation, while others are not. Like all breast conditions, any nipple problems should be reported to your physician for a prompt diagnosis and treatment.
What is ectasia?
As a woman approaches menopause (around her late 40s, early 50s), the mammary ducts, which are located under the nipple, become dilated (widened). This normal process of dilation of the milk gland is called ectasia.
Ectasia is a benign (non-cancerous) breast condition. In some cases, ectasia can lead to a blockage of the ducts. As a result, fluid may become pooled and leak into the surrounding tissue causing infection, chronic inflammation, or abscesses. If an infection, (also referred to as periductal mastitis) occurs, it may cause scar tissue to develop, thus drawing the nipple inward. In addition, this infection may cause breast pain and thick, sticky nipple discharge.
Treatment for ectasia:
Specific treatment for ectasia will be determined by your physician based on:
* your age, overall health, and medical history
* extent of the condition
* your tolerance for specific medications, procedures or therapies
* expectations for the course of the condition
* your opinion or preference
Treatment for ectasia generally involves treating the symptoms. This may include warm compresses and/or antibiotics. In some cases, surgery is required to remove the breast duct(s).
What is intraductal papilloma?
An intraductal papilloma is a small, wart-like growth that projects into the breast ducts near the nipple. This causes a bloody or sticky discharge. In addition, any slight bump or bruise near the nipple can cause the papilloma to bleed. If the discharge becomes bothersome, the duct can be surgically removed, often without changing the appearance of the breast.
While single papillomas most often affect women nearing menopause, multiple intraductal papillomas - which often occur in both breasts - are more common in younger women. Multiple intraductal papillomas are more likely to be associated with a lump than with nipple discharge. Any papilloma associated with a lump is surgically removed.
What about other types of nipple discharge?
While nipple discharge can be alarming to many women, discharge that appears only when the nipple and breast are squeezed may not be a cause for concern. The risk of cancer when nipple discharge is the only symptom is relatively low.
Frequently asked questions
What are some common nipple problems?
Nipple conditions are a common benign breast condition affecting many women. Some problems are related to lactation, while others are not. Like all breast conditions, any nipple problems should be reported to your physician for a prompt diagnosis and treatment. What is ectasia? As a woman approaches menopause (around her late 40s, early 50s), the mammary ducts, which are located under the nipple, become dilated (widened). This normal process of dilation of the milk gland is called ectasia. Ectasia is a benign (non-cancerous) breast condition. In some cases, ectasia can lead to a blockage of the ducts.
How is nipple problems and discharge treated?
Specific treatment for ectasia will be determined by your physician based on: * your age, overall health, and medical history * extent of the condition * your tolerance for specific medications, procedures or therapies * expectations for the course of the condition * your opinion or preference Treatment for ectasia generally involves treating the symptoms. This may include warm compresses and/or antibiotics. In some cases, surgery is required to remove the breast duct(s).
What is intraductal papilloma?
An intraductal papilloma is a small, wart-like growth that projects into the breast ducts near the nipple. This causes a bloody or sticky discharge. In addition, any slight bump or bruise near the nipple can cause the papilloma to bleed. If the discharge becomes bothersome, the duct can be surgically removed, often without changing the appearance of the breast. While single papillomas most often affect women nearing menopause, multiple intraductal papillomas - which often occur in both breasts - are more common in younger women. Multiple intraductal papillomas are more likely to be associated with a lump than with nipple discharge. Any papilloma associated with a lump is surgically removed.
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
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