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Original poster

One sided nipple discharge? Scared.

38 replies

Drivingcrazier · 18/04/2024 17:27

Posting for traffic and semi aibu because I don't know if I'm bu to be scared over this.

On Monday I took my bra off and my left nipple felt cold/wet when it hit my shirt. It didn't feel wet when I touched it with my finger but to double check I squeezed it and to my horror some milky looking discharge came out. It was quite sticky but didn't smell or look infected etc.

Is this ever something ok?

I don't think it's spontaneous because I had to squeeze. It's milky coloured not bloody/yellow or green. The right side is normal. Can't feel any lumps or changes in my breast. Haven't breastfed for 5 years and definitely stopped between then and now because I'd randomly check sometimes. Definitely 100% not pregnant, not on any medication either. I'm 36 and not in peri as far as I know. No family history of breast cancer but agh.

It's also coming out of just 2 exits on the nipple - sorry I don't know the correct terms. It's not all over the nipple but the same two smaller holes.

I'm seeing the gp tomorrow and tbh I'm so scared. I've got 2dc, one with sen, this is just my worst nightmare and the closer to the appt it's getting the more anxious I'm feeling.

If any one has any experience so I can prepare myself I'd really appreciate it x

OP posts:
Original poster
Drivingcrazier · 19/04/2024 18:09

Thank you all again, it's so reassuring reading these responses.

OP posts:
Strikestallulah · 19/04/2024 18:03

I had this last month and I'm 59. Much more likely to be cancer than you. But it wasn't, just a dilated duct - biopsy normal. 75% of unilateral nipple discharges and NOT cancer, but you need to get it checked out ...

Snowontheholly · 19/04/2024 18:03

I have this occasionally, apparently it can be caused by the contraceptive pill.

CrochetMadRosie · 19/04/2024 18:01

I had this. I was referred to the breast clinic and seen within 2 weeks.
Had a mammogram and was really well checked over.
All fine...
Such a worrying time, but I was well looked after.
Hope you get seen soon and all goes well.

Original poster
Drivingcrazier · 19/04/2024 17:34

Just thought I'd update incase anyone has similar in the future. The gp has referred me to the breast clinic, she said she could feel fulness behind the discharging nipple, then used the word lump later so not sure which it is.

I've also got a load of blood tests to have done next week. Still worried sick. Told my mum and mother in law who are both being lovely and trying to tell me not to worry.

OP posts:
Original poster
Drivingcrazier · 18/04/2024 17:52

I was wondering about hormones but then presumed it would be both sides, same with the thyroid. We have a strong history of hypothyroidism but I presumed it would affect both breasts.

Honestly thank you for responding with positive outcomes. Dr google is a scary place.

OP posts:
sarahc336 · 18/04/2024 17:49

Could be elevated prolactin op

FrannieGallops · 18/04/2024 17:49

Happens to me, one side only and I haven’t breastfed for almost 20 years!

When it first started (at least 10 years ago), it was brown. I had it checked at GP and breast clinic and it’s nothing. It still happens now if I squeeze it, although it’s creamy coloured now.

Merryoldgoat · 18/04/2024 17:48

I had exactly this a few years back. It was nothing - I was referred to breast clinic and nothing was found at all. Just stopped one day. Very strange.

JosieRay · 18/04/2024 17:47

This happened to me before I’d ever been pregnant and it turned out to be an imbalance of the hormone prolactin. This is made in the pituitary gland and I had a scan of that. There were no concerns regarding the gland so I was given a hormone treatment to stop the milk forming. I did later have difficulty conceiving and had Clomid in order to stimulate my ovaries.
Hopefully it can be easily resolved for you.

Original poster
Drivingcrazier · 18/04/2024 17:46

Thank you both for taking the time to reply, I'm welling up here. It's good to know it can be nothing @Ladyprehensile

OP posts:
Ladyprehensile · 18/04/2024 17:38

Happens to me all the time! One breast, just like you. Scared me to death many years ago when it happened! Still get it now occasionally.

GP should refer you to a breast clinic who should examine you AND do a mammogram. Mop it with a tissue and take to GP so they can see the colour.

All was well for me and it will probably go well for you too.
I put it down to “me‘ormones!”
Try not to worry. X

Echobelly · 18/04/2024 17:32

Two things to say, first: it's not necessarily cancer, it could be an infection or other illness. Second: even if it is breast cancer, it's got an extremely good recovery rate, especially if caught early.