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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffNipple discharge refers to any fluid that seeps out of the nipple of the breast.
Nipple discharge in a woman who's not pregnant or breast-feeding isn't necessarily abnormal, but should be evaluated by a doctor. Nipple discharge in a man under any circumstances is a problem that should be investigated.
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. Nonmilk discharge comes out of your breasts through the same nipple openings that carry milk. The consistency of nipple discharge varies from thick and sticky to thin and watery.
- Non-cancerous breast conditions. American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/cid/documents/webcontent/003180-pdf.pdf. Accessed Jan. 13, 2011.
- Golshan M, et al. Nipple discharge. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 13, 2011.
- Breast disorders. The Merck Manuals: Home Edition for Patients and Caregivers. http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec22/ch251/ch251a.html. Accessed Jan. 13, 2011.
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