Nipple Discharge Flashcards
What kind of nipple discharge is most likely from benign fibrocystic changes (FCC) like duct ectasia?
Serous
What kind of nipple discharge if more likely from neoplastic papilloma or carcinoma?
bloody
bloody duct (and mass if present) should be excised
Nipple discharge with associated masses are more likely what?
neoplastic
Unilateral nipple discharge is usually what?
maybe neoplastic or non-neoplastic
Bilateral nipple discharge is most likely what?
most likely non neoplastic (endocrine in etiology)
What are some key point of related history to nipple discharge?
- persistence vs intermittent occurrence
- relation to menses
- pre vs postmenopausal
- taking hormones
What are some common causes of nipple discharge in the non-lactating woman?
- duct ectasia
- intraductal papilloma
- Carcinoma
(1 and 2: Spontaneous, unilateral, serous, or serosanguineous discharge from single duct)
Milky discharge in the non-lactating women may occur from what?
hyperprolactinemia
What labs should you get for hyperprolactinemia?
- serum prolactin
a. rule out pituitary tumor - TSH
a. rule out hypothyroidism
True or False
Antipsychotic drugs can cause elevated prolactin levels which can lead to lactation in men and women
True
Can oral contraceptives or estrogen replacement cause nipple discharge?
yes, clear, serous, or milky discharge
Breast abscesses will usually present with what kind of nipple discharge
purulent discharge
Does negative cytological lab findings of breast discharge rule out malignancy?
No
True or False
Discussion with your Physician supervisor and referrals to outside providers depends on the type of nipple discharge present
True
True or False
Most nipple discharge is benign especially if bilateral
True
