Nipple Discharge: Causes and Concerns in Breast Health

Nipple discharge

At the beginning of the year, I noticed that when I pressed around my left breast, a yellowish transparent sticky discharge would appear from the same area of the nipple, with varying amounts.
Sometimes, a similar discharge would also appear when I pressed on the right breast, but in smaller quantities.
After consulting with a doctor, I went to the hospital for a breast ultrasound, which revealed a 0.7 cm cyst on the left side.
The doctor mentioned that the discharge from the left breast is likely breast milk (I am unmarried and have no history of childbirth).
I would like to ask the doctor if breast milk can have a yellowish transparent sticky consistency.
Currently, if I squeeze the areola or the surrounding area of the breast, I still continue to have yellowish transparent sticky discharge (more from the left side, and less from the right side).
Is this normal? Thank you.

Patty, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2011/05/26

Dr. Zhou Jiazhen reply Breast and Thyroid

Dear Patty,
Hello, you have yellowish transparent sticky discharge from your nipple, and after examination, the doctor noted a higher likelihood of a fibrocystic cyst.
This is still a benign change, but you should follow up at the breast surgery outpatient clinic every six months to a year.

Wishing you safety and health,
Director of Surgery, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health, Chou Chia-Cheng

Reply Date: 2011/05/26

More Info

Understanding nipple discharge can be a complex issue, especially when it comes to differentiating between normal physiological processes and potential health concerns. In your case, the presence of yellowish, transparent, and viscous discharge from your nipples, particularly after applying pressure, raises several important considerations.

Firstly, it's essential to understand that nipple discharge can occur for various reasons, and not all of them are indicative of a serious medical condition. In many cases, nipple discharge can be benign and related to hormonal fluctuations, especially in women of reproductive age. Hormonal changes, particularly those associated with the menstrual cycle, can lead to the production of discharge from the mammary glands. This is often seen in the premenstrual phase when estrogen and progesterone levels rise, stimulating the breast tissue.

The fact that you have been diagnosed with a 0.7 cm cyst in your left breast is also relevant. Breast cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can develop in the breast tissue and are generally benign. They can sometimes cause discharge, particularly if they are located near the ducts that lead to the nipple. The discharge you are experiencing could be related to this cyst, especially if it is producing fluid that is being expelled when pressure is applied.

Regarding the color and consistency of the discharge, it is not uncommon for breast milk or lactation-related fluid to appear yellowish and viscous. However, since you mentioned that you are unmarried and have not had any pregnancies, it is less likely that this discharge is true breast milk. Instead, it could be colostrum-like fluid, which can sometimes be produced due to hormonal influences, even in women who are not pregnant.

It's important to monitor the characteristics of the discharge. If the discharge is persistent, changes in color, consistency, or volume, or if you experience any accompanying symptoms such as pain, swelling, or changes in the breast tissue, it would be advisable to seek further evaluation from a healthcare professional. They may recommend additional imaging studies, such as a mammogram or follow-up ultrasounds, to ensure that there are no underlying issues that need to be addressed.

In summary, while the presence of yellowish, transparent discharge can be concerning, it is not uncommon and can be related to hormonal changes or benign breast conditions such as cysts. However, ongoing monitoring and communication with your healthcare provider are crucial to ensure that any potential issues are identified and managed appropriately. If you have any further concerns or if the discharge persists, do not hesitate to reach out to your doctor for further evaluation and peace of mind.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Nipple Discharge: Causes and Concerns for Women

What are the causes of nipple discharge? I previously had a child and was treated for cervical cancer, which is now resolved.

Dr. Zhan Deqin reply Family Medicine
Nipple discharge should be evaluated based on its characteristics. The most common type resembles milk (i.e., lactation), which can have various causes, such as hyperprolactinemia, pituitary tumors, or medication effects. Of course, pregnancy is also a likely cause. If the discha...

Understanding Nipple Discharge: When to Seek Medical Attention

Hello Doctor: For about the past two years, I have been experiencing nipple discharge that resembles sweat (the fluid is clear and salty). It seems to occur more frequently during exercise, and when one side discharges, the other side usually does as well. The amount is typically...

Dr. Tang Yuxiong reply Surgery
Hello, Ms. Cathy: A small amount of clear, watery discharge from the breast is generally normal and may be related to a high-calorie, high-fat diet. However, if the discharge is bloody or occurs in large amounts (persistently leaking without pressure), you should seek medical eva...

Concerns About Nipple Discharge: Is It a Sign of Breast Cancer?

There is yellowish-white discharge from my nipples, and it can be expressed from multiple areas. I'm worried that it might be breast cancer because my nursing instructor mentioned that discharge from the nipples could indicate the possibility of breast cancer.

Dr. Wu Jingtang reply Breast and Thyroid
Dear Miss, The yellowish-white discharge from the nipple that can be expressed resembles the secretion from sebaceous glands on the skin. Given your age, it is less likely to be breast cancer. The nursing instructor mentioned that discharge from the nipple could potentially indi...

Understanding Clear Nipple Discharge: When to Seek Medical Advice

Hello Doctor, today after taking a shower, I noticed a clear discharge from my nipple. When I squeezed it, there was also a clear discharge with a slight milky color. Is this normal? I'm very worried about why this suddenly happened. I had a breast ultrasound five months ago...

Dr. Lin Kecheng reply Surgery
Hello, regarding the transparent discharge from your nipple and the milky discharge upon squeezing, there is generally no need to worry. Typically, nipple discharge can be attributed to breast-related issues or hormonal factors. Breast-related causes may include lactation due to ...