One sided nipple discharge? Scared.

[Drivingcrazier]

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Could be elevated prolactin op

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.

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.

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.

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

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 ...

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

Thinking of you xx

My mum has recently had surgery because of this. Not cancerous but a papilloma, they’ve removed all her ducts in one breast, she’s 66.

I had this on and off a few years ago, aged 43. It was a year or so after I'd finished bf, but it hadn't been continuous since stopping iyswim. I was pretty frightened too, tbh. Gynae referred me for a breast ultrasound and nothing was found bar a tiny cyst (so tiny I hadn't felt it - I did/do have quite dense breast tissue, though). It carried on for a while and then stopped.

I have had this twice. It was an intraductal papilloma . It’s a kind of non cancerous wart. Mine was behind my nipple so no lump felt and they are usually tiny second one was 5mm. Had both removed as they a sometimes turn nasty but that is rare. As previous poster said that often remove a few other ducts as well.

Please try not to worry (I know easier said than done!) I had a lump in my armpit I stupidly ignored for ages, finally went to the GP who examined me and found another lump in the breast on the same side, I absolutely freaked out thinking the worst. But when I saw the specialist he said GPs aren't properly trained in breast exams and that the breast lump was ordinary breast tissue, the armpit lump was harmless, thankfully. So with respect to all GPs they can't specialise in everything.

I recently had very similar symptoms - it was an adenoma, which is non-cancerous and no cause for concern.

I think the thing to concentrate on is that there are many, many things it could be that are totally harmless.

I am really glad you saw a doctor so quickly and will have a hospital appointment soon. I'll be keeping everything crossed for you 💐

When I had breast cancer, one symptom was nipple discharge, however it was a pinky/clear oily type substance. Cancerous discharge tends to be clear or bloody, which mine was a combination of, rather than milky. However you’re doing the right thing getting it checked out, I’m sure all will be well.

This is my first ever post but your anxiety resonated with me.
I’ve had this twice in the same breast. I’m 56. . First was in my 40s, a clear drop like discharge which was aggravated if I applied pressure. Had mammogram and scan and it was a blocked milk duct. No treatment required. About 5 years ago it was pink so more tests again (I was fortunate that I could pay privately). Again it was the same diagnosis, absolutely not cancer or even a risk. Bbut on the recommendation of the consultant I had surgery to remove the duct. You absolutely can’t see any sign of surgery.
I also had high prolactin levels for many years but this wasn’t linked.

That's really thoughtful to respond @Cockapoo2 I'm trying to keep telling myself it'll be OK and I'm so glad yours worked out well.

I think waiting is the worst bit, I'm spiralling because of it. Hopefully the appt comes through soon

hi op I’m in same boat as you (well mine is a lump but I mean I’m also on two week wait having gone to doctors yesterday). You have all my sympathy. I know there’s nothing I can do until appt but I can’t stop thinking about it constantly. I am stuck between wanting to tell my family and get support but also don’t want to worry them.

sorry to hear that @aodirjjd it's horrible. fingers crossed for you it turns out ok. I didn't want to tell mine at first but then thought I'd really want to know if it was my daughter going through it. I'm glad I did but totally get why you're hesitant.

I've got bloods to get done on Monday and I'm terrified they're gonna show something horrendous. I know logically it probably won't but the fear is shocking.