$Unique_ID{BRK01001}
$Pretitle{Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue}
$Title{White Discharge During Breast Self Examination}
$Subject{nipple discharge breast examination}
$Volume{L-19}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


White Discharge During Breast Self Examination


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTION:  I have noticed that when I examine my breasts as you have often
suggested, that a small white discharge can be pushed out if I squeeze around
my areola (nipple) area.  I haven't yet pulled together enough courage to see
my physician about this, and hope you can tell me if this is something I
should be worrying about.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER:  When "worry" is part of the problem, the only solution is to obtain
the answer that will help to explain the situation, and outline the
possibilities.  While I can offer you general explanations, the only way you
can be completely informed is to stop putting off the examination by your own
physician that you know you need, and which will provide you with the personal
answers you must have.  For my part, I have some good news for you.  The
nipple discharge which women can express from their nipple, and which a doctor
may also do during the breast examination is rarely the sign of any serious
medical condition and is not considered unusual.  When healthy women had a
suctioning device used on their breast as part of an investigation of this
situation, 83% showed some discharge.  The type of discharge which is more
significant than the type produced by compressing the nipple area, is that
which occurs persistently, without any external squeezing, and is present in a
non-nursing woman.  Such discharges can be of almost any color, but fall
essentially in to seven types:  milky; thick, multicolored and sticky; yellow;
bloody (red); pink; pussy (purulent); and clear.  While any of these may be a
sign of possible tumor growth, there are many other causes for such
discharges, including medications, including birth control pills and
antihypertensives, infections, and even the use of marijuana.  There is even a
condition called "pseudodischarge", which while looking like a breast
discharge can come from skin rashes on the breast, inverted nipples and
excessive stimulation during self examination or sex.  What ever the cause in
your case, an early diagnosis is important to effective treatment, and to
respond to your anxiety, which I hope will have been truly unnecessary.
ÿ
----------------

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.
