Nipple discharge

• you have nipple discharge from either nipple

It may not be anything serious, but there's a small chance it could be a sign of breast cancer, so it's best to get it checked.

If you have nipple discharge, the GP will examine your breasts or chest.

They may refer you to a hospital or breast clinic for further tests, which may include:

• an examination of your breasts or chest
• a mammogram (breast X-ray) or an ultrasound scan
• a small sample of cells taken for testing (biopsy) – this is done using a needle

The tests are often done during the same visit.

The hospital or breast clinic should let you know when and how you’ll get your tests results. Some may be available that day. Others, such as a biopsy, can take several weeks.

Nipple discharge has many possible causes.

Common causes include:

• pregnancy or breastfeeding, which can lead to leaking from your nipples
• non-cancerous changes in the breast that happen with age (duct ectasia)
• a blocked or enlarged milk duct
• a small, non-cancerous lump in the breast (papilloma)
• a breast infection (mastitis)
• a side effect of a medicine, including the contraceptive pill

Nipple discharge can sometimes be a sign of breast cancer, so it's important to get it checked.