TYPES AND CAUSES OF BREAST DISCHARGE

Basically, breast discharge means release of fluid from the nipples of the breast. The type of fluid that comes out from the nipples determines if the discharge is normal or abnormal.

TYPES OF BREAST DISCHARGE

Red Colour Discharge: This kind of discharge contains blood and it could be caused by breast cancer or infection.

Clear White Discharge: This type of discharge could be caused by pregnancy.

Cloudy White Discharge: Excess or inappropriate breast-milk production is usually the cause of this kind of discharge. Medically, it is called “galactorrhea”.

Yellow Discharge: This kind of discharge comes out like pus and it is usually caused by breast infection.

Breast discharge could be normal or abnormal depending on the fluid that comes out of the nipples.

CAUSES OF BREAST DISCHARGE

There are various causes of breast discharge and these causes could be normal or abnormal.

TYPES OF NORMAL DISCHARGE

Hormonal Imbalance: This is caused by sexual stimulation or the use of medications like birth-control pills, tranquilizers, etc. Milk can secrete if there is an imbalance in hormone prolaction and if the breast is squeezed, it would lead to a discharge.

Pregnancy: During pregnancy, it is normal for ladies to experience liquid discharge in form of milk from the breasts. However, after putting an end to breast-feeding, the discharge will stop after awhile.

Vigorous Exercise: During vigorous physical exercises, the bra can cause stimulation of the breasts and this could lead to a discharge.

TYPES OF ABNORMAL DISCHARGE

Galactorrhea: This is an infection that makes the breasts to continually secrete milk after a lady puts a stop breast feeding. This could result from hypothyroidism, marijuana, pituitary gland tumors, etc.

Mastitis: This is an infection that makes the nipple to bring out pus. It causes redness/soaring of the nipples and it is common among pregnant ladies.

Fibrocystic Breast Changes: The presence of fibrous tissues or cysts could lead to a lump in the breast. This causes pain and itching of the breasts. It also leads to breast discharge.

Mammary duct Ectacia: Once a woman attains menopause, she is prone to this infection. This infection results from blockage of the ducts in the lower part of the nipple and it leads to a greenish discharge.

Intraductal Papilloma: This infection is non-cancerous in nature. When nipples are inflamed, the papillomas cause discharge of blood or fluid that is sticky in texture.

All these infections listed above could lead to breast cancer!!! If you are experiencing any form of abnormal breast discharge, kindly visit a doctor.