Learn about its potential causes and the meaning of various nipple discharges. Nipple discharge is when fluid leaks from your nipple in one or both breasts It's most common in women in late pregnancy and immediately after childbirth Nipple discharge happens for many reasons Most of the time, there are normal, harmless reasons why women have nipple discharge even when they aren't pregnant or lactating. Fluid leaking from the nipples isn't often a sign of breast cancer
Learn more about the possible causes and when to see a doctor. Understanding what this leakage means requires delving into the anatomy of the breast, the potential causes of leakage, and when it might signal a need for medical attention. Each breast contains about 20 milk ducts, and fluid can leak from them It's typical for some milk to leak out of your nipple when you're pregnant or lactating. Then fluid may become pooled and leak into the nearby tissue If there is an infection (called periductal mastitis), it may cause scar tissue to form
This infection may also cause breast pain and thick, sticky nipple discharge. Research shows that a breast has about 10 main milk ducts, and fluid can leak out of any of them The discharge can be various colors Nipple discharge is any fluid that comes out of your nipple, and is often a normal part of breast function The discharge can come in a variety of colours and appear at any time Usually, it is a clear or white liquid
Diagnosis and treatment approaches when evaluating breast fluid, a healthcare professional identifies the cause through a diagnostic process This begins with a thorough medical history and physical breast examination The doctor will ask about the discharge's characteristics, duration, and any associated symptoms.
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