I have one abnormal symptom, how concerned should I be?

mawaldron

I am 51 years old and have been having clear nipple discharge in my right breast for some months. My doctor sent me for a mammogram and ultrasound. The imaging was normal, they just showed I had some fat necrosis and a cyst. But, because I reported clear nipple discharge the radiologist suggested further studies. My doctor told me it is possible for there to be a problem in the duct and have normal imaging, so she is sending me to a breast specialist. The discharge isn't very much but it's still there.

I am nervous, but I am just wondering what's the likelihood of there potentially being a problem based on this one symptom? My mother and maternal grandmother both had breast cancer as well.

Moderators

Hi mawaldron, Sorry to hear you are having these symptoms.

There are many things that could cause this clear discharge, so naturally best to investigate a bit further so you have a better understanding. Have you or any of your family members been suggested to have genetic counseling of any sorts?

Hang in there! And keep us posted.

djmammo

mawaldron

Of the many colors of breast discharge, we worry about bloody and clear discharge. If it is spontaneous, unilateral, and coming from one duct only, a ductogram would be helpful to demonstrate what is causing the discharge. Some prefer MRI to ductogram but it needs to be evaluated one way or another especially with your family history.

If it cannot be seen within the duct on ultrasound then its probably pretty small at this point. https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/breast-nipple-discharge#1