Bleeding from nipple (not BF)

[itchyhand]

Has anyone experienced bleeding from nipple not caused by breastfeeding?

I’m 40, generally healthy, woke up 19th Dec with dried blood on my pyjamas and on my bed sheets, enough to cause 2x 50p sized pools of blood through thick pyjamas. I realised it has happened in the past but I put it down to a scratch on my rib cage, but on this particular morning I saw the blood coming from my right nipple. Got a same day appointment with the GP who referred me to the breast clinic within 6 weeks. Since that episode I’ve had lighter bleeding on Christmas Eve and again this morning, always from the same side.

I’m obviously googling myself into a spin.

Do I let the GP know it’s happened again since my last appointment?

well done for seeing the GP and being referred to the breast clinic. (Not quite in the same boat but also waiting to be seen by breast clinic on two week pathway for concerning symptoms) Currently in wobble mode as my appointment today has been cancelled as the mammogram machine has broken down. (Arrgh)

You have done the right thing as they can do all the checks and medically advise for anything further that MIGHT be needed as the GP cannot offer the scans that the hospital clinic can do nor do they have the knowledge of the specilaist breast nurses and surgeons who staff the hospital breast clinics. Remember the NHS has a low threshold for referrals as they know if anything is not right; be it a cyst, abcess, hormones going crazy affecting your boob or something else; an early pick up and referral for checks and care if needed gives the best outcome.

I am doing all I can to keep clear of Dr Google and Dr Scholar searches as I know that will tip the Schrödinger anxiety from wibbles into a flat out spin dive. Today I am mostly curled up on my bed having a wobble over hot tea as I had hoped to have an idea of what could be going on by tonight.

Contact your GP if you are concerned, you may be able to speak with a specialist nurse for advice who will be aware that waiting for a breast clinic referral is beyond stressful and worrying.

thanks for replying, how's your wait going? you don't need to share if you don't wish to but what are your concerning symptoms?

I don't have any symptoms apart from bleeding, I wouldn't even say it's "bloody discharge" it is just pure dark red blood rather than blood mixed into another fluid.

I spoke to the GP receptionist yesterday and she asked me to email in and they'll ask for an expediated referral. Origianal referral was 6 weeks from my first appointment - 30th January, so anything earlier in the month would be appreciated.

I had something that sounds similar a few years ago and it was a papilloma, which is apparently one of the most common cause, not cancer and totally benign

https://thebirminghambreastclinic.com/surgery/intraductal-papilloma/

Still needs checking out

In my case, single swollen breast, inverted nipple, thickening and lump plus family history of breast cancer and carcimotosis. I am also now over 50 so the risks are greater. My initial instinct was to run away but I made myself walk up to the GP speak with the receptionist and get seen fast.

On an intellectual level I know roughly 80% of referrals are fine and that more can be done if a problem is picked up fast. On an emotional level I am veering from slightly hopeful to crying wreck as I am still waiting for a new appointment date. On a better day I am checking out mastectomy swimsuits to remind me even if bits did need to go you can still look feminine. Eldest DD has promised to come surgical bra shopping with me if that is needed. (Works as a specialist burns and plastics nurse at a burns centre so I trust her knowledge) Thankfully I have a very supportive DH who is doing most of the housework and cooking and letting me go at the speed I need to between his work. having support from immediate family, walking a lot in nature, avoiding Dr google all helps me stay sane.

TBH I wish this had not all happened just before Christmas. Clinic have been supportive and asked me to call daily in case they can fit me in.

I truly hope you get a date for the clinic soon, the waiting for a date can be horrible.

This is what I hope it is, did you have any treatment for it? Does it just go away on its own?

I had it removed. quick op, day surgery in in the morning, home mid afternoon, a little sore for a few days

I had something like it and, as poster above said, papilloma, to do with milk ducts. Cleared up with no treatment and, so far, has not reoccurred in over five years.

My investigation is still ongoing and I’m getting a bit impatient for the all clear.

@TyneTeas - did you have any biopsies of your papilloma?

I’ve had:
January: breast clinic, mammogram found 2 growths, located with ultrasound, 4x biopsies. Results B3

February: contrast enhanced mammogram, anaphylaxis from dye EpiPen & antihistamine required. Found more smaller growths. Original results appointment booked for 10th March but now moved to 17th March so I can have another ultrasound on 12th March. The appointment letter mentions biopsies might be taken at the appointment too.

I keep swinging from thinking the worst to feeling like I’m using a lot of NHS resource for something benign.

I had this and ended up with a diagnosis of papillomatosis which is multiple papillomas.

They were all biopsied and confirmed benign. The one causing the bleeding was removed along with a second one which was causing a huge cyst to form every 6 weeks! The remaining 2 (that I am currently aware of) are still in situ, causing no problems and I'm happy with that.

I had two failed VAE attempts for the cystic one and refused a third try so it was surgically removed and since then has not recurred.