Nipple discharge can be natural for females, especially if they are pregnant or breastfeeding. Other reasons for discharge from nipples include infection, arousal, or hormone imbalance. It rarely indicates cancer. However, in males, nipple discharge can suggest a health issue.

When nipple discharge is nonspontaneous and occurs from both breast nipples, it is generally natural. In fact, nipple discharge is the third most commonTrusted Source complaint after breast pain and breast mass.

Other times, when nipple discharge occurs without manipulation or is spontaneous, or from one nipple, it can be atypical. Still, nipple discharge alone may not mean a person has breast cancer.

Anyone experiencing nipple discharge and has concerns can speak with a doctor. Nipple discharge may not always be a cause for concern, but a doctor can determine the underlying cause and treat it if necessary.

Quick facts:

  • Nipple discharge occurs when the nipples secrete fluid.
  • The discharge may be a variety of consistencies and colors.
  • Sometimes, a person may have nipple discharge from only one nipple.
  • Many underlying conditions can cause nipple discharge to occur.
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Nipple discharge is any fluid that is not milkTrusted Source coming from the nipples.

In females, there are many different potential causes of nipple discharge. It can occur when a person is pregnant, breastfeeding, or due to hormonal changes. This is known as a physiological response.

Most casesTrusted Source of nipple discharge are benign and rarely relate to breast cancer.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

A note about sex and gender

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Learn more.

One of the most common reasons for nipple discharge involves leaking from a female’s nipples after they have stopped breastfeeding.

Sometimes, nipple discharge can occur 2 yearsTrusted Source after a person stops breastfeeding.

Common causes

Common causes of nipple discharge include:

  • breast infections
  • endocrine, or hormone, disorders
  • excessive nipple stimulation
  • fibrocystic, or irregular cysts, on breasts
  • injury or trauma history to the breasts
  • mammary duct ectasia, where the milk duct under the nipple thickens and becomes wide
  • periductal mastitis, a chronic inflammation of the breast
  • prolactinoma, a hormone disorder due to a tumor in the pituitary gland
  • side effects of medications

Medications

Some medications can also cause nipple discharge. These include:

Use of the drugs cocaine and weed can also cause nipple discharge.

Males can also experience nipple discharge, though it is less commonTrusted Source. Currently, there is limited research discussing nipple discharge in males.

Males who experience nipple discharge need to consult a doctor. This is because it could indicate an underlying issue, such as cancer of the breast.

To help find the cause of nipple discharge, doctors will often ask questions about the discharge, including what color and consistency it is.

Examples of some types of nipple discharge include:

  • Milky discharge: This can occur in people who have recently stopped breastfeeding or due to hormonal shifts in premenopausal females.
  • Bloody discharge: A noncancerous tumor called a papilloma can lead to bloody nipple discharge. In rare instances, bloody discharge can be due to breast cancer.
  • Clear discharge: Clear discharge from one breast only can be a symptom of breast cancer. Clear discharge from both breasts is usually less serious, but if a person has concerns, they can speak with a healthcare professional.
  • Green-tinged nipple discharge: Discharge of this color can be a symptom of a cyst underneath the nipple or areola that is draining.

While each of these discharge types can be alarming when they first appear, they are not always cause for concern. The color itself may not provide enough detail, as bloody and clear discharge can both indicateTrusted Source disease.

Any time a person experiences nipple discharge they have concerns about, they need to consult a doctor. This is especially true if someone experiences any of the following symptomsTrusted Source relating to breast cancer:

  • a new palpable lump in the breast or armpit
  • change in size or shape of the breasts
  • pain in the nipple area
  • discharge from only one breast
  • blood-tinged discharge
  • irritation of the skin around the breast
  • persistent discharge
  • swelling or thickening of the breast

A doctor will ask about symptoms and perform a physical exam. Imaging tests, such as mammogram or ultrasound, may be necessary to detect potential abnormalities in the breasts.

Following these diagnostic methods, a doctor may recommend other tests such as biopsy or blood testing.

Nipple discharge can be a symptom of breast cancer, according to a 2019 study.Trusted Source

The same study states that in 5% to 33% of cases, women who report having nipple discharge also have an underlying malignancy.

For most females, this means that nipple discharge is not cancerous. If cancer is causing the nipple discharge, it might be ductal carcinoma in situ or papillary carcinoma.

If a doctor cannot establish a clear and benign underlying cause for nipple discharge, they usually recommendTrusted Source imaging scans to confirm a potentially cancerous lesion is not present. If a person who is at higher risk for breast cancer due to family history experiences nipple discharge, they need to speak with a doctor as soon as possible.

The treatment options depend onTrusted Source the cause and type of the discharge. Nipple discharge due to a physiological response does not usually require any treatment.

Doctors will diagnose the underlying cause and recommend the following:

  • medications
  • microdochectomy, which refers to the removal of one breast duct
  • total duct excision, which refers to the removal of both ducts

Abscesses may require antibiotic treatment or even excision. Treatment for cancerous nipple discharge may involve radiation, surgery, or chemotherapy.

Below are some common questions about nipple discharge:

Is it okay to squeeze out nipple discharge?

People need to avoid squeezing out nipple discharge as it can cause irritation or pain.

What does breast cancer nipple discharge look like?

Nipple discharge can occur for many reasons, and sometimes it is due to breast cancer. The discharge can appear clear, pale yellow, or bloody. It can also vary in consistency.

When you consult a doctor about nipple discharge?

A person needs to speak with a doctor about nipple discharge if it:

  • occurs suddenly or without manipulation
  • is persistent or bloody
  • comes out of one nipple
  • occurs with other symptoms

Nipple discharge can occur for many reasons, most of which are not cancerous. Also, males who experience nipple discharge need to speak with a doctor, as it may suggest a medical condition.

Nipple discharge in females is common, especially in those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Other reasons for nipple discharge may include infection, duct ectasia, and hormonal imbalance, among others.

Males who experience nipple discharge need to consider talking with their doctor, as it is atypical and could signal an underlying issue. Any person with concerns about their discharge or who experiences bloody discharge needs to seek help. Although rare, it could be a symptom of cancer.