Benign bloody nipple discharge

Anonymous

Benign bloody nipple discharge

Mins_Mum

Long post, but I'm posting this information to help those who walk this path behind me, because I couldn't find much information on bloody nipple discharge when it started happening to me.

My discharge was unilateral, uniductal, spontaneous and bloody. Everything I read said that is not a good combination and the medical professionals were very responsive and attentive to this symptom

In the past three weeks I've had a diagnostic mammogram, ultrasound and MRI. I've seen my gyn, 2 radiologists and a breast surgeon. The gyn and one radiologist saw the discharge but it had stopped by the time I made it to the breast surgeon. The first doc, the gyn, took a sample of the discharge and sent a smear to the lab.

Here's a high level summary of what came back:

- no lumps or abnormalities detected in breast exam

- discharge smear did show presence of epithelial cells

- imaging results were all consistent - very dense breasts, multiple cysts, no masses, and no enlarged ducts. BIRADS 2 on all tests

(Because the discharge has stopped there is no opportunity to do a galactogram/ductogram.)

The surgeon has recommended Evening Primrose Oil for the cysts, and has called for a 3-month follow up consult. Mammo and us will be done at the 6 month mark, at least this year but probably not indefinitely. Her diagnosis based on this whole picture is that I likely had a cyst burst.

I'll post back here if anything changes in the interim or at any of the follow ups. I just wanted to encourage others to follow up on this symptom, and also reassure you that it's apparently possible to have a benign cause of bloody nipple discharge.

Mins_Mum

Just a follow-up post here. I had a routine Gyn visit last week and they were able to express a clear discharge out of the same breast that had the bloody discharge originally. This time it appeared to be from a different duct. Still nothing felt on palpation during exam.

I had been thinking about getting a second opinion anyway so this pushed me into action and I had the second opinion visit today. The radiologist's report was consistent with my original one, and the second surgeon's opinion is consistent with the original surgeon. He recommended a 2-month follow-up rather than a 3-month follow-up, but otherwise pretty much the same opinion.

Pink24

I've had bloody discharge (spontaneous) from my right nipple for a few months. Last week I was referred by my gp for an ultrasound.. today they gave me a mammogram which didn't show anything and then an ultrasound which showed I had enlarged ducts and a papilloma cyst behind my nipple. I go back for a follow up in 4/6 weeks. They'll then discuss whether or not I need duct excision surgery or not.. depending on bleeding. I'm just glad it wasn't cancerous. Hoping I don't have to have surgery eithrr

Pink24

has your cyst gone? I don't want to have the op.. I've not had any children yet. Has evening primrose helped?

Mins_Mum

Hi Anj, I haven't been back for a follow up yet. Since taking the evening primrose oil I do notice that my breasts are much less tender so I am guessing that it's working on reducing the size or quantity of cysts. I do not continue to have the discharge but I have also not tried to express anything. I hope you get good news and don't have to have the surgery. Keep me posted.

Pink24

Thank you. I go back next week. Really don't want to have an op. I feel like I would like another ultrasound to confirm it's just a cyst as when I had my ultrasound last time the nurse said there was nothing and then left the room when she suddenly saw the lump to get another nurse who then said cyst and then walked out. I just feel like I need reassurance as I'm still bleeding everyday/find blood in my bra. Will buy some evening primrose today. Thank you

Pink24

cyst vanished but bleeding still occurring as they say I have dcis but will find out more once ducts have been removed et

MTwoman

Hey Anj, we sort of discussed this on another thread. You told me that they haven't biopsied yet, so they haven't diagnosed you with dcis. They are trying to determine papilloma vs dcis. Did I get that wrong?

Mins_Mum

Another follow up on my original post on this thread. I had a 5-month follow up office visit today and am scheduled for a mammo with ultrasound in a few weeks. I switched doctors and am feeling very good about that, even though it adds a little complexity to the puzzle. All continues to look good so far with no obvious symptoms. The original cytology report and the MRI that reads as if was inconclusive are the only lingering concerns. Hoping for a good mammo report at the 6-month mark in a few weeks. Will update here in case it’s helpful for anyone dealing with similar issues.