Worried about nipple discharge

[Cati482]

Hi everyone

Well, just like the title says, I’ve got myself all wound up and concerned about some discharge from my left nipple. I’m making an appointment with my GP tomorrow, but would really appreciate hearing from others who’ve experienced the same thing. I need some common sense talked into me as I’ve been on Doctor Google and every search brings up cancer! So of course, I’m now terrified!

The discharge is from my left nipple only. It’s clear or sometimes yellow tinged and it’s only if I squeeze my nipple it comes out. I have to squeeze quite hard sometimes (I know I shouldn’t but I keep checking in the hope it’s gone when rationally I know by doing that I’m probably aggravating it more). Both breasts have felt occasionally tender or heavy, I noticed this around the time of my last period but as it’s never happened before (except when I was pregnant and I’m definitely not pregnant this time!) then that has me worried too. I can’t feel any obvious lumps but as I have quite large breasts I’m not sure if I’m checking correctly.

If you’ve managed to get to the end of this, then thank you for reading and any and all words of advice will be gratefully received. Thank you x

Hi there,

You don't say how old you are, but I have read that nipple discharge can also be from a benign condition - meaning, not cancer. There are many possible causes on the Mayo Clinic's website.
My sister had nipple discharge about 18 months ago, but she never had children and was post menopausal. I think this is what particularly worried her. After a couple of tests, they found she had DCIS. My sister is a very nervous person, but found treatment to be very simple. She is fine now. Again, there could be other reasons for the discharge. When did you have your last child?
x

Hi Viking

Thanks for replying. I’m 36 and had my last baby 2 years ago. I breastfed her for roughly 5 months. I’ve got a doctors appointment for Monday as I’m a bit of a worrier by nature so can’t figure out if it’s my anxiety magnifying the breast tenderness and pain. It’s definitely there though. I think I’m due on in the next few days so I’m also wondering if it’s hormonal and could be linked to my cycle, though it’s never been a problem for me before. Hopefully the doctor can put my mind at ease on Monday. Thanks again for replying xx

Do you smoke?

I had it and like you was squeezing. I think it started with me seeing if they felt different/ hoping to be pregnant. Anyway went to the hospital and they got some out too and so I had a mammogram and it was all fine. Was told to stop squeezing! I did and it stopped. But do get it checked. This was after 2 kids.

Weirdly, Cati, i have this exact thing too! Just the one boob, which is sore but no lumps that i can find. Im 47, and have had cancer before, but not breast! So i am worried , but i think it may be hormonal, i have put on quite a bit of weight and have gigantic boobs, i will be off to the gp as soon as i can get an appointment. I did google an thyroid issues came up, but who knows, let me know how you get on.

No, I don’t smoke and never have.

It’s comforting to hear that other people have experienced the same and it’s worked out ok.

Pnutter, I’m wondering if it’s weight related too. I have put on some weight after my last daughter 2 years ago and I also have very big breasts. Hopefully we’ll both find out it’s nothing to be concerned about 😊 I will keep you updated.

Thank you so much again for these lovely replies x

Yes, keep us posted. I'm a natural worrier too. I should add that although my sister's discharge was also clear and coming out of one breast, it was not because of squeezing. She noticed a miniscule stain on her bra. And it was ongoing discharge. Tiny amount, but enough that she spotted it. Plus, as I said earlier she was early 50s, never lactated/no children, and post menopausal. X

My appointment is tomorrow x

Please keep us posted pnutter.

Keep us posted because I have the same thing. Like you I have to squeeze and it varies from clear to white, only on one side.

Hi ladies. I had my appointment today instead of Monday as the doctor was poorly! Anyway, she said everything looked normal, no lumps to be concerned about and it’s probably linked to my cycle and getting older (I’m only 36!) Apparently PMS symptoms can manifest or get worse as we get older and she felt the tenderness and heaviness in my breasts was down to that. As for the discharge, she said it didn’t concern her at all and just to leave it be and it should go away on its own.

So a big worry off my mind 😊
I hope your appointment goes well tomorrow pnutter and you get some reassurance ❤️

Thank you again for all the helpful and lovely replies xx

So good to hear Cati

Hi, excellent news Cati, my gp sent me for a full set of blood tests, probably more to do with my age and medical history , when the results are back she said she will decide if i need to see the breast clinic, she wasnt overly concerned, she said breast discharge usually only worrying if blood stained, which mine isn't x

Wow I could have written this myself. A few months ago I got myself in a state. I noticed my left boob felt very tender, almost a bruised feeling. After a few days my other one started hurting. I then came on my period. I thought it was odd as I never usually suffered with sore boobs. The the following month the same thing. I was checking for bumps, when I was just checking my nipple area and thought would be a great idea to see if anything comes out. And there it was, white nipple discharge. Well that was me gone. I was in such a state. I'm so lucky I have the best gp ever I wish every one was as lucky as me as she is so understanding of my anxiety and fully assured me. X

Update from me, my blood platelets are high, need to repeat blood test plus shes referring me to breast clinic , as i say, gp not concerned, more to do with my medical history (cancer before)

Thanks for keeping us posted pnutter - please let us know how it goes.

I know this is zombie, but did you get any answers?