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Breast Cancer

Nipple discharge

04/05/1999

Question:

I remember years ago, while pregnant, having a dark greenish discharge from the nipple at times. I know there was a name for this, but don`t remember what it was. Now, at age 56, and after gaining about 25 pounds after I quit smoking 4 years ago, I some times have that same discharge from both nipples. Should I be concerned?

Answer:

A change in the normal milk ducts of the breast as a woman grows older is dilatation of one or more ducts called ectasia. This condition can cause a blockage of the ducts with a fluid buildup behind the blockage. Ectasia can cause discharge that is green, brown or white in color. It can be watery or thick. Unless the discharge is very heavy and causes staining of your clothes, it is usually left alone. Surgery can be done to remove the dilated or infected duct. Discharge from both nipples usually indicates multiple duct ectasia and is nearly always benign. However, your physician needs to know about the discharge because it is important to find out if the discharge is from one duct or several ducts. It is also important to know if an infection is present which can be a complication of ectasia or if the discharge is related to something other than ectasia. Thank you for writing.

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Response by:

University of Cincinnati Janet Trigg, RN, MSN, EdD
Formerly:
College of Nursing
University of Cincinnati
Janet Trigg, RN, MSN, EdD