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What Does Breast Discharge After Menopause Indicate?
Question: Hello dr.
My mother is around 65 years old and healthy.she does NOT have any BP, DIABETES, THYROID problem. But suddenly she is getting some diacharge from her breasts. 3 days back some blood spots were also seen. We visited a dr. She asked to have serum prolactin test done. It is normal as per the reports. It has been around 10 yrs since she got menopause. What can be the case? Is this a normal case or dangerous? Can it be cured? Even she had same dischrg 1 n a half yr back bt it stopped in a day or 2 itself. What should be done now?
My mother is around 65 years old and healthy.she does NOT have any BP, DIABETES, THYROID problem. But suddenly she is getting some diacharge from her breasts. 3 days back some blood spots were also seen. We visited a dr. She asked to have serum prolactin test done. It is normal as per the reports. It has been around 10 yrs since she got menopause. What can be the case? Is this a normal case or dangerous? Can it be cured? Even she had same dischrg 1 n a half yr back bt it stopped in a day or 2 itself. What should be done now?
Brief Answer:
Can be due to multiple reasons.Get a mammogram
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I can understand your concerns.
the reasons for discharge from breasts after menopause can be
1) Hormonal. But her prolactin level is normal so its unlikely.
2)Drug induced. Is she taking medications like tricyclic antidepressants, estrogen, oral contraceptives or medicines used to treat heartburn and stomach ulcers?
3) In rare instances breast discharge can be a sign of a breast cancer. Does she feel a lump? When was her last mammogram?
4)Additionally, an infection of the mammary glands called mastitis, can result in a sticky, colored discharge. Does she have fever or pain in breasts?
Also presence of blood definitely points more towards infection or cancer.
Get a mammogram urgently.
Regards,
Dr Som MD
Can be due to multiple reasons.Get a mammogram
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I can understand your concerns.
the reasons for discharge from breasts after menopause can be
1) Hormonal. But her prolactin level is normal so its unlikely.
2)Drug induced. Is she taking medications like tricyclic antidepressants, estrogen, oral contraceptives or medicines used to treat heartburn and stomach ulcers?
3) In rare instances breast discharge can be a sign of a breast cancer. Does she feel a lump? When was her last mammogram?
4)Additionally, an infection of the mammary glands called mastitis, can result in a sticky, colored discharge. Does she have fever or pain in breasts?
Also presence of blood definitely points more towards infection or cancer.
Get a mammogram urgently.
Regards,
Dr Som MD
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
No she is not taking any such medicine..
Also never went for memogram.
But Yes She has slight fever, cold and some pain in breast since 2 3 days. Moreover she has cervical so due to that some pain in shoulder is there these days.
The dr checked up for the lump yesterday and did not notice any such thing. Even did not ask to get ultrasound or mamography done. That is why we are concerned.. i hope it doesn turn out to be cancer or anythng such. But we dont want the right time to get wasted if anythng is required.
Also never went for memogram.
But Yes She has slight fever, cold and some pain in breast since 2 3 days. Moreover she has cervical so due to that some pain in shoulder is there these days.
The dr checked up for the lump yesterday and did not notice any such thing. Even did not ask to get ultrasound or mamography done. That is why we are concerned.. i hope it doesn turn out to be cancer or anythng such. But we dont want the right time to get wasted if anythng is required.
Brief Answer:
Get a mammogram.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Please get a mammogram done as soon as possible. Ideally post menopausal women should have mammograms regularly.
Also if she has fever and pain get a Complete blood count done.
Also if she has discharge again please get a culture and cytology microscopy of the discharge.
If mammogram is not conclusive then get an ultrasound breast.
Regards,
Dr Som MD
Get a mammogram.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Please get a mammogram done as soon as possible. Ideally post menopausal women should have mammograms regularly.
Also if she has fever and pain get a Complete blood count done.
Also if she has discharge again please get a culture and cytology microscopy of the discharge.
If mammogram is not conclusive then get an ultrasound breast.
Regards,
Dr Som MD
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Pradeep Vitta
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