$Unique_ID{BRK01042}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Is Bloody Discharge From the Breast Something to Worry About?}
$Subject{nipple bloody discharge Skin Subcutaneous Tissue pregnancy drugs
fibrous tissues cysts cyst tumor tumors mammography breasts breast x-ray
exploratory surgery surgeries operation operations nipples discharges
mammographies}
$Volume{L-19}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is Bloody Discharge From the Breast Something to Worry About?


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QUESTION:  I always examine my breasts regularly and have never found anything
abnormal, but yesterday morning I noticed a slightly bloody discharge coming
from my right breast.  Is this something to worry about?  I'm 34 years of age.

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ANSWER:  It's always a good idea to report changes in your breast condition,
such as lumps or discharges, to your doctor.  Though most changes are benign,
bloody nipple discharge warrants extra-careful attention--it can be a warning
sign of a breast tumor.
     Among the many benign causes of a reddish nipple discharge are pregnancy,
certain drugs, or benign fibrous tissues or cysts within your breast tissue
that can elicit bloody fluid.  The most common cause is a benign breast tumor,
but the chance that the tumor could be malignant ranges from 7 to 10 percent,
and increases for a woman found to have a breast lump or abnormal breast x-ray
findings, for a woman over 50, or for a male with this symptom.
     To help your physician diagnose the cause correctly, take careful note of
your symptoms.  Was the discharge greyish-green or red?  Did it come from one
breast or two?  Has this ever happened before?  What kinds of drugs or
medications are you taking?  Your physician will examine you for lumps, skin
dimpling, or other nipple abnormalities, and may require a mammography, or
breast x-ray.  If other causes are excluded, exploratory surgery must be
considered as the next step in treatment.  If a tumor is found, whether benign
or malignant, it can then be removed.  Remember, most often the source is a
benign tumor, but don't take any risks--see your doctor immediately.  The
principle of early treatment for the best results definitely applies in this
situation.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.