Gynaecology/ Nipple Discharge Flashcards
1
Q
What are the types of nipple discharge?
A
- Milk
- physiologic nipple discharge (galactorrhea)
- pathologic nipple discharge
2
Q
What are the typical characteristics of galactorrhea?
A
- Bilateral (though unilateral galactorrhea is also possible)
- white or clear discharge
3
Q
What are the most common causes of galactorrhea?
A
- Hyperprolactinemia from a pituitary adenoma or
- medications such as atypical antipsychotics
4
Q
What characteristics suggest that the nipple discharge is from a pathologic etiology?
A
- Unilateral
- persistent
- spontaneous and
- frequently sanguinous discharge
5
Q
What is the most common cause of pathologic nipple discharge?
A
Papilloma
6
Q
What are other causes of pathologic nipple discharge?
A
- Ductal ectasia
- fibrocystic breast changes
- breast cancer
7
Q
Which patients with nipple discharge should be evaluated by a surgeon?
A
- Patients with a palpable breast mass
- abnormal breast imaging
- guaiac positive or grossly bloody discharge or
- spontaneous/uniductal discharge
