Is it normal for breast to leak

However, the discharge may be other colors, such as gray, green, yellow, or brown. During pregnancy or breastfeeding, a normal discharge is sometimes slightly bloody. Abnormal discharges vary in appearance depending on the cause. An abnormal discharge may be accompanied by other abnormalities, such as dimpled skin, swelling, redness, crusting, sores, and an inverted retracted nipple.

A nipple is inverted if it pulls inward and does not return to its normal position when it is stimulated. If a discharge from only one breast occurs on its own without any stimulation of the nipple , it is considered abnormal.

A discharge from one milk duct or from one breast is likely to be caused by a problem with that breast, such as a noncancerous benign tumor or, less commonly, a cancerous malignant breast tumor Breast Cancer Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast become abnormal and divide uncontrollably. Breast cancer usually starts in the glands that produce milk lobules or the tubes ducts that carry A discharge from both breasts or from several milk ducts in one breast is more likely to be caused by a problem outside the breast, such as a hormonal disorder or use of certain drugs.

Fibrocystic changes Fibrocystic Changes of the Breast Fibrocystic changes of the breast formerly called fibrocystic breast disease include breast pain, cysts, and lumpiness that are not due to cancer. See also Overview of Breast Disorders and A breast infection or abscess Breast Infection and Breast Abscess Breast infections are usually caused by bacteria. Rarely, breast infections lead to a breast abscess a collection of pus in the breast.

Mastitis refers to painful inflammation of the breast Intraductal papilloma is the most common cause. It is also the most common cause of a bloody nipple discharge when there is no lump in the breast. Certain disorders stimulate the production of breast milk in women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding see table Some Causes and Features of Nipple Discharge Some Causes and Features of Nipple Discharge Fluid that leaks from one or both nipples is called a nipple discharge.

See also Overview In most of these disorders, the level of prolactin a hormone that stimulates production of breast milk is elevated. Taking certain drugs can have the same effect. Occurs without the nipple's being squeezed or stimulated by other means when it occurs spontaneously. If a nipple discharge continues for more than one menstrual cycle or if any of the warning signs are present, women or men should see a doctor. Women with such symptoms should see a doctor within 1 or 2 days.

Papillary breast cancer is a rare and slow-growing type of breast cancer. Learn about symptoms, risk factors, treatment, and more. Learn about the characteristics of metaplastic breast cancer along with causes and risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and more. A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that can detect tumors or abnormalities in the breast tissue.

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Breast Cancer. What to Know about Nipple Discharge. Medically reviewed by Carolyn Kay, M. Types and symptoms Causes Breast cancer When to seek help Next steps Nipple discharge is any fluid or other liquid that comes out of your nipple.

Did you know? Types and symptoms. Page last reviewed: 26 January Next review due: 26 January Home Pregnancy Pregnancy-related conditions Common symptoms in pregnancy Back to Common symptoms in pregnancy. Leaking from your nipples.

Some women notice leaking from their nipples during pregnancy, and this is normal. Leaking Breast Milk Postpartum. Medically Reviewed by Sarah Obican, M. Medical Review Policy All What to Expect content that addresses health or safety is medically reviewed by a team of vetted health professionals.

It can be messy, but it's completely normal. Here's what causes leaking breasts postpartum and what you can do about it. Back to Top. In This Article. What causes leaking breasts postpartum? Continue Reading Below.