Discharge from the Breast: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

What is discharge from the breast?

Discharge from the breast is the process in which fluid is released from the nipple, which can be clear, white, yellow, brown, or even bloody. This phenomenon can occur both as a normal process and due to various diseases.

Causes of discharge from the breast

• Physiological causes. In some cases, discharge can be normal, such as during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or during the menstrual cycle.
• Mastopathy. Benign changes in the breast tissue can lead to discharge, often with a change in the consistency of the fluid.
• Infections. Inflammation of the breast tissue (mastitis) can lead to purulent discharge, often accompanied by pain and redness of the skin.
• Hormonal disorders. Hormonal imbalances, such as thyroid diseases or other hormonal issues, can lead to discharge.
• Malignant diseases. Rare but more serious causes of discharge include breast cancer, where bloody discharge may occur.

Symptoms accompanying discharge from the breast

• Pain in the breast. Pain may accompany discharge in cases of mastopathy or mastitis.
• Changes in the shape and structure of the breast. Enlargement, hardening, or changes in the skin of the breast may indicate a disease.
• Redness or swelling. Symptoms of inflammation, such as redness and swelling of the skin, may indicate mastitis or infection.
• Bloody discharge. Bloody discharge in rare cases may be a sign of malignant disease.

Treatment of discharge from the breast

• Consultation with a doctor. It is important to consult a doctor to diagnose and determine the cause of the discharge. The doctor may recommend additional tests, such as ultrasound or mammography.
• Hormonal medications. If the cause of discharge is hormonal imbalances, the doctor may prescribe hormonal therapy.
• Antibiotics. If an infection (such as mastitis) is present, antibiotics may be prescribed.
• Surgical intervention. If there is breast cancer, surgery may be required.
• Self-monitoring. In some cases, discharge may be temporary and not require treatment.