Alternative Names
Discharge from breasts; Milk secretions; Lactation – abnormal; Witch’s milk; Galactorrhea; Inverted nipple; Nipple discharge
Definition of Nipple problems
Nipple problems can include tenderness, skin changes, changes in shape, or discharge from the nipple portion of the breast.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Nipple tenderness or skin changes may be caused by:
Symptoms
Breast changes that may occur:
Signs and tests
The health care provider will take your medical history and perform a physical examination.
Treatment
Treatment of nipple discharge caused by conditions outside of the breast include:
Expectations (prognosis)
Most women with inverted nipples who give birth are able to breastfeed without complications.
Review
Linda Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, WA; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 11/1/2009
