What Causes Blood-tinged Nipple Discharge?

Posted on Sat, 24 Jun 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 24 Jun 2017 Answered on

Sat, 15 Jul 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : My 36 year old daughter has noticed nipple drainage ranging from clear to milky with blood; she has increased breast tenderness with dimpllng of both breasts, she has done selfexam and cannot palpate any lumps. She is a 1 pack a day smoker dx with copd

Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (37 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Need to rule out Intraductal papilloma/carcinoma.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for trusting HCM

Bloody nipple discharge along with skin dumpling raises the concern for intraductal papilloma/ carcinoma. Pain is not a usual feature, but some women can experience breast tenderness. Moreover, since she is on Seroquel, it can contribute to breast pain and milk discharge due to increased prolactin levels.
Clinical breast examination, mammography, and breast ultrasound are recommended.

Please be advised to follow up with your primary care provider for necessary evaluation.

Hope this answers your question
Please address further questions here
Regards
Dr.Lekshmi

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T