Definition

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Nipple discharge refers to any fluid that seeps out of the nipple of the breast.

Nipple discharge during pregnancy and breast-feeding is normal. Nipple discharge happens less commonly in women who aren't pregnant or breast-feeding. It may not be cause for concern, but it's wise to have it evaluated by a doctor to be sure. Men who experience nipple discharge under any circumstances should be evaluated.

One or both breasts may produce a nipple discharge, either spontaneously or when you squeeze your nipples or breasts. Nipple discharge may look milky, clear, yellow, green, brown or bloody. Discharge that isn't milk comes out of your nipple through the same ducts that carry milk. The discharge can involve a single duct or multiple ducts. The consistency of nipple discharge can vary — it may be thick and sticky or thin and watery.

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Dec. 04, 2021

See also

  1. Amenorrhea
  2. Breast cancer
  3. Breast cancer chemoprevention
  4. Breast Cancer Education Tool
  5. Common questions about breast cancer treatment
  6. Breast cancer radiation: Can it cause dry skin?
  7. Infographic: Breast Cancer Risk
  8. Breast cancer staging
  9. Breast cancer types
  10. Infographic: Breast Reconstruction Options
  11. Dragon Boats and Breast Cancer
  12. Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
  13. Fibrocystic breasts
  14. Galactorrhea
  15. Gene expression profiling for breast cancer: What is it?
  16. Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer
  17. Genetic testing for breast cancer: Psychological and social impact
  18. Male breast cancer
  19. Mammary duct ectasia
  20. What is breast cancer? An expert explains
  21. Paget's disease of the breast
  22. Paulas story A team approach to battling breast cancer
  23. Pink Sisters
  24. The Long Race Beating Cancer
  25. Weight Loss After Breast Cancer