#onkologie #Frauengesundheit #mammography

What Does Nipple Discharge Mean?

28. Oktober 2025

2 Min. Lesezeit

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Do you have nipple discharge, but you aren’t pregnant or breastfeeding? Nipple discharge can be completely harmless, but it can also be a sign of a serious illness. The first thing to look out for is the color of the discharge. If you are experiencing it, you should seek advice from your doctor. It’s a good idea to pay them a visit every year, even without any unpleasant symptoms.

Wichtigste Erkenntnisse

Do you have nipple discharge, but you aren’t pregnant or breastfeeding?
What does the color tell you?
Does it show up only in women?

Für wen das ist

Für alle, die Vorbeugende Onkologie über onkologie, Frauengesundheit erkunden.

Warum es wichtig ist

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Artikelautor

Dr. Halina

Mammologe

What does the color tell you?

Milky white This is the most common. Galactorrhea is a condition where a woman has milk or milk discharge from the nipples, even if she is no longer breastfeeding. This is the result of an overproduction of the pituitary hormone prolactin. Milk discharge can also be associated with a recent cessation of breastfeeding or hormonal changes before menopause. Hormone therapy (birth control pills) and sedatives can also similarly affect the breasts. Copious milk discharge from both nipples can be caused by a benign tumor of the pituitary gland (prolactinoma). Blood red One of the causes is a benign tumor (papilloma) that can irritate the tissues inside the milk duct. In rare cases, red spotting is associated with breast cancer, especially in older women. Transparent Discharge from both breasts, as a rule, does not pose a threat to health, but if you find them in only one breast, you should consult an oncologist. Green This color can be a symptom of a cyst, blocked milk ducts, or an infection in the chest. It is also one of the signs of fibrocystic disease. Yellow Mastitis is an infection of the breast that causes a pus-like yellow-green, accompanied by fever and chest pain. If the discharge develops an unpleasant odor, this may indicate an abscess.

Does it show up only in women?

Men can also experience nipple discharge. Some of the common causes include testosterone deficiency, gynecomastia—a condition that leads to breast enlargement and breast tenderness, pituitary swelling, and breast cancer.

What is the examination like?

First, the specialist will carry out a clinical examination of the breast. Then, they will order a mammogram and an ultrasound of the mammary glands to find the source of the discharge, as well as take a smear for cytology.

The doctor may also do a ductogram (X-ray method with the introduction of a contrast agent into the ducts of the breast). The data obtained will tell you if a biopsy is needed. In non-pregnant women who have heavy milk flow from both breasts, a blood test is taken to measure the level of the hormone prolactin.

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