Hello, Im 49, 5 weeks ago I noticed bloody reddish, brown thick discharge from my left nipple when I squeezed. I checked again 2 days later and it had gone back to a dirty white colour. I’ve had white, beige, green discharge in both breasts for many years. Yesterday, I had my appointment at the breast clinic. Mammogram and ultra sound only showed some cysts and a bit of fluid in the ducts. I am relieved that they did not find a mass, but I’m worried that they also could not see a papilloma or duct ectacia to explain the bloody discharge. I am very anxious that I have ductal cancer. I’ve been told not to squeeze to check for discharge and to keep a diary of any leakage. I have an appointment to go back in 6 weeks time. What am I to expect at my next appointment, will I have further testing? I am considering paying private to have an MRI.
Hi bella13
Thank you for posting.
It sounds like this is a worrying time for you. Having investigations for a breast problem can be very worrying and stressful. It’s good to hear the mammogram and ultrasound only showed some cysts and fluids in the ducts.
Discharge from one or both nipples can happen either spontaneously or when the nipples or breasts are squeezed. Squeezing the nipple to check for discharge can worsen the problem so is best avoided as you have been told. Keping a diary about spontaneous discharge is also helpful.
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.
The majority of nipple discharges are associated with benign conditions (not cancer) such as hormonal changes, infection or inflammation within the breast ducts. Certain medications can also cause nipple discharge.
You have another appointment at the breast clinic in 6 weeks. They are likely to ask about the discharge, examine you and they may undertake further scans if necessary. You mention you are considering going privately for an MRI. However, all the findings need to be assessed together to establish the cause of your discharge.
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Best wishes
Grete
Breast Care Nurse
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