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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffNipple discharge refers to any fluid that seeps out of the nipple in a nonlactating woman. Nonmilk discharge comes out of your breasts through the same nipple openings that carry milk.
One or both breasts may produce a nipple discharge, either spontaneously or when you squeeze your nipples or breasts. A nipple discharge may look milky, or it may be yellow, green, brown or bloody. The consistency of nipple discharge varies from thick and sticky to thin and watery.
Nipple discharge is a symptom that largely affects women. However, nipple discharge in a man under any circumstances is problematic and should be investigated.
- Non-cancerous breast conditions. American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_6X_Non_Cancerous_Breast_Conditions_59.asp?sitearea. Accessed Jan. 5, 2009.
- Golshan M, et al. Nipple discharge. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 6, 2009.
- Breast disorders. The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: The Merck Manual Home Edition. http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec22/ch251/ch251a.html. Accessed Jan. 6, 2009.
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