Dark/bloody nipple discharge. Terrified its breast cancer.

[wrinklyraisin]

I have had "normal" nipple discharge for 2 years now. It's usually pale, milky, from both nipples only when they're squeezed. I saw a dr about it two tears ago and he said its "normal" so I didn't worry. Every month though I examine my breasts for lumps etc and that includes doing a quick squeeze to check the discharge. Yesterday I did that and the discharge from my right nipple was dark brown/black like old blood. My right breast is larger than my left, quite noticeably so. I have fibrocystic breasts so they always feel a bit lumpy and I can feel anything specific or different. I made the mistake of googling bloody nipple discharge now I'm terrified. I'm in the USA and (like millions of people here) don't have health insurance. What the hell do I do?!?! Has anyone else had this?!?! I'm assuming its urgent and I'm scared to leave it but I don't have the tens of thousands of $$$$ to pay a dr. I'm looking up cancer screening and stuff right now but I really would like to hear from anyone else who has had this bloody nipple discharge thing and can tell me what it was. So scared right now.

Easy to say, but try to un-panic....nipple discharge, even bloody discharge, is far more likely to be something benign than it is to be cancer. I think the most common cause for bloody nipple discharge is papillary something or other - benign little tumours in the milk ducts? Sorry not to remember name, but do remember that fact!

I have no advice for health screening in the US - I have a dear friend in similar quandary over health care there that she can't afford. But obviously you need to get checked out, somehow. I have a feeling my friend went to a mobile screening unit once, which was a lot cheaper than going straight to a specialist??

Do pop over to the Tamoxifen thread, if you have breast related questions and/or want a paw to hold...they are a fantastic bunch of ladies, and very used to welcoming those of us who have boob issues of any sort.

Thanks Elibean

It's so hard not to panic. I hope it's benign, I have a family history of breast cancer so that's only making me more scared.

I'm looking into a couple of hospitals near me that offer free screening so fingers crossed I can at least get looked at soon.

I suspect it's impossible not to panic

And I totally get the fear. Well done for finding the right place to go, and FWIW a paw to hold here in London - do visit the Tamoxigang, if you want company in the wait, they are so reassuring.

Odds are totally on your side.

Oops - just seen you already made it over to the gang! Well done. xx

Yep it was only a couple of threads down. Have posted (twice somehow!) and will now have a good read...

I had a thick green/black discharge with a bit of blood as well, worried my self silly, but it turned out to be periductal mastitis.It cleared up after 6 weeks of antibiotics.