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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffSometimes, nipple discharge is just a normal (physiological) part of your breast's function. If that's the case, the discharge might resolve on its own.
Most often, nipple discharge stems from a noncancerous (benign) condition. However, breast cancer is a possibility, especially if:
- You are over age 40
- You have a lump in your breast
- The discharge contains blood
- Only one breast is affected
Possible causes of nipple discharge include:
- Abscess
- Breast cancer
- Breast infection
- Excessive breast stimulation
- Fibroadenoma
- Fibrocystic breasts
- Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
- Galactorrhea
- Hormone imbalance
- Injury or trauma to the breast
- Intraductal papilloma
- Mammary duct ectasia
- Medication use
- Paget's disease of the breast
- Pregnancy
- Prolactinoma
Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.
